Private Law Careers Guide
2025
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PREFACE
EDITORS IN CHIEF
Ella Robinson
James Papic
Joshua Lai
Liam Fiene
Samara Mundi
VICE PRESIDENT (PRIVATE LAW CAREERS)
Samara Mundi
CO PRESIDENTS
Madeleine Morris
Matthew Kuk
SECRETARY
Mia Rea
PRIVATE LAWS CAREERS DIRECTORS
Diane Lee
Liam Fiene
Gloria Chan
Nathan Choi
Ella Yuan
Ella Robinson
James Papic
Joshua Lai
DOMESTIC SPONSORSHIP DIRECTORS
Daniel Heazlewood-Lee
Izabelle Lac
VICE PRESIDENT (PUBLICATIONS)
Teodulfo Jose Reyes
PUBLICATIONS DESIGN DIRECTORS
Aaryan Pahwa
Ashna Aravinthan
PUBLICATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
Advika Ulhaan
Ambeikaa Mishra
Balraj Mander
Inika Narayan
Melina Le
Shayan Bidiwale
Siddarth Ramachandran
The UNSW Law Society’s Private Law Careers Portfolio is delighted to present the 2025 Private Law Careers Guide.
To our penultimate-year students embarking on clerkship applications, and to every UNSW Law student exploring private practice, we hope this guide offers a clear, practical glimpse of what your future career may entail.
This publication would not exist without the dedication of our Private Law Careers Directors, alongside the Publications Team, whose efforts have shaped both its content and production. We also express our sincere appreciation to our Sponsor Firms for their steadfast support of the Society and its initiatives.
Best of luck with your applications, and enjoy the insights that follow.
This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced or stored by an process electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of the UNSW Law Society Inc.
DISCLAIMER
The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the UNSW Law Society Inc., the editors or those of the UNSW Faculty of Law. Although the editor and authors have taken every care in preparing and writing the guide, they expressly disclaim and accept no liability for any errors, omissions, misuse, or misunderstandings on the part of any person who use or relies upon it. The editors, author and the UNSW Law Society Inc. accept no responsibility for any damage, injury or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication.
Samara Mundi, Private Law Careers Vice President & Editors in Chief 2025
This Student Club publication is proudly supported by Arc.
© 2025 UNSW Law Society Inc.
SPONSORS TABLE OF CONTENTS
This guide would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
A&O Shearman
Allens Linklaters
Ashurst
Baker McKenzie
Barry Nilsson
Clayton Utz
Clifford Chance
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
DLA Piper Gadens
Gilbert + Tobin
Herbert Smith Freehills
Hall & Wilcox
HFW
HWL Ebsworth
Johnson Winter Slattery
Jones Day
King & Wood Mallesons
Maddocks
MinterEllison
Norton Rose Fulbright
Sparke Helmore Lawyers
Thomson Geer
White & Case
MESSAGES
Message from The Dean............................................6
Message from Careers Service..................................8 President’s Address.................................................10
THE PRIVATE SECTOR
The Private Landscape ...........................................14 Common Entry Pathways........................................16 Areas of Practice......................................................18
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
DOMESTIC LAW FIRMS
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
UNSW law graduates have many diverse career options open to them, foremost in the local and global legal services industry.
Nowadays, success depends not only on your excellent academic performance, but also your ability to point to other experiences and activities that distinguish you and highlight your enthusiasm, initiative and commitment. These will speak a lot to the type of lawyer you want to be.
Considering your career goals, and how the cultural and ethical values of potential employers might align with your own, will guide you towards a path of personal and professional satisfaction. Private sector practice has long been the starting place for many a legal career.
While working in a law firm may be your goal, other opportunities may beckon along the way; the Bar, government, community sector, in-house legal roles, to name a few. You must be prepared for, and ready to embrace change, both as your personal occupational goals change and the market continues to evolve, particularly in the private sector.
Technological innovation and the emergence of new business practices continue as the primary drivers of growth and change creating opportunities for law students in digital law and legal operations. There is also an increasing focus on corporate organisations building their in-house legal teams that will provide more opportunities for law graduates to enter in-house roles upon graduation.
Academic achievement is not the sole determinant for employment. The emphasis at UNSW Law & Justice on experiential and international learning in the LLB and JD programs is heavily influenced by advice from employers. The law graduate who can think critically to solve problems, can communicate effectively and work collaboratively will stand out and have an edge and this is why we place so
Private practice employers will seek out the candidate who brings both breadth of experience and character. So, take advantage of what’s on offer in Law & Justice and, more generally, at university and in the community.
UNSW Law & Justice is committed to helping students chart their own unique career course – our dedicated Careers Service aims to help students best position themselves to secure a rewarding job at the end of their studies. And as always, your Law Society is an invaluable source to keep you up to date with market news and connected to potential private career employers. The Law Society also helps you with opportunities to develop and demonstrate skills of collaboration and leadership – across a range of worthwhile, fun and fulfilling activities.
The Guide is a critical resource as you plan your career. Read it, reflect on it, and discuss it with your peers as you start to consider the path that is right for you.
demonstrate skills of collaboration and leadership – across a range of worthwhile, fun and fulfilling activities.
The Guide is a critical resource as you plan your career. Read it, reflect on it, and discuss it with your peers as you start to consider the path that is right for you.
Professor Andrew Lynch Dean - Faculty of Law & Justice
MESSAGE FROM UNSW LAW & JUSTICE CAREERS
If you're reading this guide, you're more than likely exploring a career in private practice law. With thousands of registered law firms across Australia, there are a range of opportunities—whether in large commercial firms, mid-sized practices, or smaller boutique firms.
Many law firms are committed to offering immersive experiences for law students and are actively working to diversify their talent pipelines. If private practice law interests you, I encourage you to start exploring this career pathway early. Take advantage of free virtual internships available through platforms like Forage, and apply for introductory prepenultimate programs offered by larger firms in your earlier years of study. These programs help you build practical legal skills, expand your network, and better understand each firm’s unique culture and values. I would also encourage you to take advantage of the range of opportunities that the UNSW Law Society provides, to engage with private practice law firms, including the annual Law Careers Fair held in Term 1 each year or by attending a range of other events held both on campus and in law firm offices.
As you progress in your studies, pursue professional work opportunities on a part-time basis and extracurricular activities to expand your skills and experience. I would encourage you to consider enrolling in a Work Integrated Learning elective course to gain handson experience and help solidify your career interests.
In your penultimate year, or potentially final year, Summer Clerkships offer valuable exposure to legal practice. However, with only around 35 firms offering clerkships, it’s important to be aware that many other firms recruit directly into graduate programs or hire junior lawyers’ post-graduation. So, I emphasise that completing a clerkship is not the only pathway to a successful and rewarding career in private practice law.
At UNSW Law & Justice, our Careers Service is here to support you throughout your studies and beyond.
We encourage you to start planning your career early by exploring pathways that align with your interests, strengths, and values, not just traditional routes.
Our dedicated Law & Justice Careers Service offers:
• Free 45-minute one-on-one coaching with dedicated Law & Justice Careers Advisors;
• Access to the MyLaw Jobs Board, featuring part-time and graduate roles (some exclusive to UNSW students);
• A comprehensive Law Careers Handbook and career resources on MyLaw, including updated clerkship and graduate program listings;
• A LinkedIn Careers Group to stay informed about opportunities and industry news; and
• Exclusive clerkship and internship opportunities through partnerships with leading firms and organisations.
No matter where you are in your degree, we encourage you to connect with us. Let us help you explore the many directions your law degree can take and work with you on a career plan that well see you well placed to commence a rewarding and meaningful career upon graduation.
Brooke Johnson Manager, Careers & Student Engagement Faculty of Law & Justice
PRESIDENTS' ADDRESS
We are excited to share with you the 2025 edition of the UNSW Law Society’s Private Law Careers Guide, the result of months of dedication by our Private Law Careers portfolio. This Guide is intended to serve as a practical and inspiring starting point as you begin thinking about your future in the private law sector.
Regardless of where you are currently in your law school journey, whether you're exploring your first Paralegal role or preparing for a Clerkship, this Guide is designed to support you through the process of discovering opportunities and making informed decisions about your career path. The Private Law landscape is broad and diverse, and whilst this Guide highlights many of the key pathways, it is by no means exhaustive. Every student’s professional journey is different, and we encourage you to use this resource as a springboard to explore what matters most to you.
We also understand that recruitment periods can be intense and emotionally taxing. It is expected you will feel uncertain at times. As you work through applications and interviews, remember to look after your wellbeing and reach out for support if needed. There are a range of services available, including Psychology and Wellness on campus who provide confidential counselling services and mental health help to all currently enrolled students. The UNSW Law School community is one of strength and solidarity, so make the most of the resources available to you. You don’t need to go through this process alone.
This publication would not exist without the remarkable efforts of our Vice-President (Private Law Careers), Samara Mundi, and the Private Law Careers Directors James Papic, Liam Fiene and Joshua Lai. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail. Our thanks also go to Teodulfo Jose Reyes, Vice-President (Publications), and the Publications Team, Aaryan Pahwa, Ashna Aravinthan, Siddharth Ramachandran, Melina Le, Shayan Bidiwale, Advika Ulhaan, Ambeikaa Mishra, and Balraj Mander for their creative vision and commitment in bringing this Guide to life.
We hope this Guide empowers you to explore the world of private law with clarity, curiosity, and confidence.
Matthew Kuk & Madeleine Morris UNSW Law Society Co-Presidents
THE PRIVATE SECTOR
THE PRIVATE LAW LANDSCAPE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LAW FIRMS
Large commercial law firms advise a diverse range of corporate clients across complex, high-value matters. They offer services spanning key areas such as mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, capital markets, dispute resolution, intellectual property, and competition law. Many also maintain specialised practice groups in sectors like infrastructure, technology, energy, and environmental law.
These firms are known for their structured graduate pathways, exposure to headline transactions, and steep learning curves. Students from a variety of academic backgrounds, not just commerce, are valued for their diverse perspectives and skill sets. Early career lawyers benefit from formal training programs, strong mentorship, and the opportunity to work on cross-border matters, often alongside leading global companies. For some, joining a firm’s litigation practice can mark the beginning of a pathway toward the bar and a future as a barrister. A career in a large law firm can also serve as a launchpad for future roles in in-house legal teams, corporate strategy, policy, or business leadership.
INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE
Lawyers working in multinational law firms or firms with strong global partnerships are often afforded the opportunity to work overseas on secondments. In an ever globalising world, having a global perspective and international experience is essential as a new age lawyer. If you are interested in applying to work overseas, it must be noted that international law firm clerkship applications tend to close earlier in the year. Some firms can recruit up to two years in advance.
BOUTIQUE AND MID-SIZED COMMERCIAL LAW FIRMS
Boutique and mid-tier firms typically focus on select practice areas, offering a more specialised experience. Working in a smaller team can result in greater responsibility early in your career, with junior lawyers often gaining significant client exposure and hands-on legal experience. Many also find that these firms offer stronger prospects for early growth and development, as smaller team sizes allow for closer working relationships with senior lawyers and partners, leading to greater visibility and mentorship.
IN-HOUSE LEGAL COUNSEL
In-house lawyers are employed directly by corporations to advise solely on the legal matters of that business. Unlike lawyers in private practice who serve multiple clients, in-house counsel manage the legal needs of a single organisation. The role is dynamic and varied, with matters ranging from contract negotiation and dispute resolution to regulatory compliance and business strategy. For a detailed overview of in-house legal roles, responsibilities, and entry pathways, please refer to Chapter 9.
COMMON ENTRY PATHWAYS
DOMESTIC CLERKSHIPS
Domestic Clerkship programs offer students a valuable entry point into the world of corporate and commercial law. The most common pathway is the Summer Clerkship, typically running from late November or early December through to early February. A limited number of firms also offer Winter Clerkships in June or July, though these may clash with UNSW’s Trimester Two calendar.
Most large firms participate in a coordinated application process facilitated by the Law Society of New South Wales, with those outside the system often adhering to its recommended dates. This year, summer clerkship applications open on 11 June and close between 6 July and 13 July, with offers released at 9:00 AM 10 September and responses due by 1:00 PM on 11 September. Clerkships are generally open to penultimate-year students, with some firms also considering final-year students finishing mid-year.
Clerks typically rotate through multiple practice groups, gaining exposure to a variety of commercial legal disciplines.
For many, a successful clerkship leads to a graduate offer to commence following admission. While clerkships are a welltrodden pathway into large commercial firms, they are not a prerequisite for a career in private practice.
INTERNATIONAL CLERKSHIPS
International Clerkships offer students the opportunity to gain legal experience in foreign jurisdictions and global markets. These roles are highly competitive and often close earlier than domestic clerkship programs, sometimes up to two years in advance. Application deadlines vary by firm, so it is essential to research and track each firm’s process independently.
Unlike Domestic Clerkships, these programs rarely assume prior legal knowledge. Instead, applications often centre on commercial awareness, market trends, and business acumen relevant to the host country. Academic performance is weighted more heavily, and applicants should be prepared for a commercially focused interview process.
Candidates are advised to stay informed on individual firm requirements, including travel logistics, visa processes, and potential scheduling conflicts with university commitments.
GRADUATES
Many boutique firms offer internship or volunteer placements for Practical Legal Training (PLT) students, which may convert into Graduate roles. Additionally, as hiring models continue to evolve, some firms are increasingly recruiting graduates outside the traditional Clerkship route.
Your Graduate year is typically completed alongside your PLT and culminates in your admission as a solicitor in New South Wales. Like Clerkships, Graduate programs usually involve structured rotations across different practice areas. This exposure enables Graduates to identify areas of interest and begin to specialise, whether in corporate advisory, finance, property, technology, employment, or other commercial fields.
LATERAL HIRES
Lateral hiring provides an alternative pathway into a desired firm. These roles are typically filled by lawyers with experience in similar positions elsewhere, although firms may also seek candidates with transferable skills from different practice areas or sectors.
Lateral moves commonly occur between large firms, in-house legal teams, government roles, and boutiques. Similarly, practitioners may later choose to transition from private practice into in-house roles or smaller firms, particularly as they progress in their careers and refine their practice focus.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
BANKING & FINANCE
The Banking and Finance practice involves advising clients—whether borrowers or lenders—on the financing of large and often complex transactions. This area is primarily focused on debt, including the structuring, negotiation, and documentation of loan arrangements team. Common matters include financing for property development, infrastructure projects, and acquisitions.
The nature of the work is heavily contractual. Lawyers in this area work closely with clients, banks, and external advisors (such as financial consultants and credit agents) to document and formalise debt obligations, security arrangements, and repayment structures. This often involves negotiating and drafting term sheets, facility agreements, intercreditor deeds, and security documents to reflect commercial intentions and manage legal risk.
It is a fast-paced and detail-oriented practice area that offers strong exposure to transactional work, complex structuring, and commercial strategy, making it a highly rewarding space for junior lawyers.
COMPETITION LAW
Competition and consumer law are governed by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). Competition law aims to preserve fair and efficient market conditions by promoting competitive conduct, while consumer law protects individuals from misleading behaviour, unconscionable conduct, and unfair contract terms.
Competition law spans both transactional and litigious work. On the transactional side, lawyers advise on merger clearance processes, helping clients assess whether a proposed acquisition may substantially lessen competition and therefore require ACCC approval. Lawyers also advise on commercial arrangements that may raise competition concerns.
On the litigious side, competition lawyers represent clients in investigations and enforcement actions brought by the ACCC, including allegations of cartel conduct, misuse of market power, or anti-competitive agreements.
The sector is particularly suited to students with a sharp analytical mindset, alongside a regulatory interest.
CONSTRUCTION LAW
Construction law plays a foundational role in the delivery of infrastructure and development projects. Behind every high-rise, rail line or commercial build lies extensive legal work—both advisory and contentious.
Work is broadly split between ‘front-end’ and ‘back-end’ matters. Front-end construction involves the drafting, negotiation, and finalisation of contracts for contractors, designers, engineers and certifiers. Back-end construction deals with disputes that arise over issues such as scope changes, project delays, variations and payment claims.
The breadth of construction law means matters can vary significantly in duration and complexity. Major infrastructure projects may span several years, while minor works (such as small refurbishments) can resolve quickly. As a junior lawyer, this area offers exposure to detailed contractual drafting on large-scale projects, while also allowing you to run your own files on smaller disputes, particularly where back-end work is integrated into the team’s practice.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Intellectual Property (IP) law involves protecting the rights of individuals and companies who create or own intangible assets, such as inventions, designs, brand names, written works, software, and artistic creations. Lawyers in this field work with a variety of IP protections including patents, trade marks, copyright, and design rights, as well as licensing arrangements to help commercialise or share those rights.
IP work falls into both front-end advisory and disputes-based practice. On the front end, lawyers assist clients in securing, managing, and leveraging their IP assets. In a disputes context, IP lawyers represent clients whose rights have been infringed or who are accused of infringing another party’s IP. Matters are often fastpaced and highly strategic, particularly where the IP is central to a client’s brand, product, or market position.
IP law is a rapidly evolving and globally connected practice area, especially given technological advances and cross-border enforcement challenges. High-profile disputes like Apple v Samsung highlight the commercial significance of strong IP protection. For students interested in innovation, media, or technology, IP offers a dynamic blend of technical subject matter and high-stakes commercial work.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Employment law governs the relationship between employers and employees, covering issues such as contracts, remuneration, dismissal, discrimination, bullying, and enterprise bargaining. It is primarily regulated by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), alongside modern awards, enterprise agreements, and anti-discrimination legislation.
Lawyers advise on both contentious and transactional matters. In transactions, they assist with employment due diligence, managing workforce transitions, advising on retention strategies, and ensuring compliance with whistleblower protections and other regulatory obligations. More broadly, they act on restructures, investigations, and disputes, often appearing before the Fair Work Commission or other tribunals.
This is a dynamic and people-centric area of practice,
combining legal advisory, regulatory compliance, and strategic input on workplace issues across all stages of the employment lifecycle.
LITIGATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Litigation and Dispute Resolution encompass the full range of legal conflict management, from early-stage negotiations through to formal court proceedings. Dispute resolution methods such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration aim to resolve matters efficiently and privately, often avoiding the costs and delays of litigation. Where early resolution is not possible, disputes may proceed to hearing in courts or tribunals.
Litigation lawyers are involved in all stages of the dispute process. They gather and manage evidence, draft pleadings and affidavits, liaise with opposing parties, brief counsel, and guide clients through procedural and strategic considerations. A key part of the role involves assessing legal risk, identifying viable defences, and advising on the likelihood and value of settlement.
This area of practice is intellectually rigorous and demands strong written and oral advocacy, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
M&A law involves advising clients on buying, selling, and merging businesses to achieve strategic goals.
The practice is split into four key divisions: Private Equity, Public M&A, Equity Capital Markets, and Corporate Governance. In Private Equity, lawyers act for funds or portfolio companies on acquisitions, exits, and recapitalisations, often involving tight timelines, bespoke deal terms, and highly negotiated instruments. Public M&A involves advising on acquisitions of publicly listed companies, working within a heavily regulated framework that includes continuous disclosure obligations, shareholder approvals, and engagement with ASIC and the Takeovers Panel. Equity Capital Markets work supports capital raisings, including placements, rights issues, and IPOs, that often fund or complement M&A activity.
Corporate Governance underpins all deal types. Lawyers advise boards and senior management on directors’ duties, shareholder rights, regulatory compliance, and internal decision-making processes. It also includes advising on company structure, such as board composition, voting frameworks, and control mechanisms, specially where transactions trigger changes to ownership, management, or reporting lines.
M&A lawyers are engaged throughout the transaction lifecycle. They negotiate commercial terms, conduct legal due diligence to uncover risks, draft transaction documents, and manage completion and post-deal integration. The work is highly collaborative and commercial in nature, often involving multiple jurisdictions and tight deadlines.
TAXATION LAW
Taxation law is a highly specialised and intellectually demanding area of legal practice, focused on helping clients navigate Australia’s complex and evolving tax framework.
The work is predominantly advisory and heavily research-driven. Lawyers are frequently tasked with interpreting detailed statutory provisions, ATO rulings, and case law to assess how tax laws apply to specific transactions or business structures. Advice must be technically precise, commercially sound, and legally defensible.
While most tax work is conducted in-office, lawyers also engage with clients, accountants, and financial advisers to develop tailored strategies.
Taxation law suits those with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in statutory interpretation and policy. It offers deep exposure to the mechanics of commercial transactions and plays an essential role in ensuring legal and financial certainty for clients.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
COVER LETTERS
The cover letter is where you as a student can stand out to a prospective employer. You should highlight your strengths, experiences, skills, and passions that make you the best fit for the working environment you are applying for. A well-written cover letter is just as important as a resume. Where a resume lists experiences, a cover letter allows you to describe how those experiences make you a well-rounded, suitable candidate.
PREPARING TO WRITE A COVER LETTER
Get Researching
The best way to stand out from other applicants is to research the firm you are applying for. To get started, have a look at their website. This should give you some insight into the values and strategy of the firm. From there, consider news articles, LinkedIn posts, and media announcements. It is really important to get a sense of the culture of the firm, so that you can consider why you are a good fit to be a part of that culture.
Reflect on your Experiences
Once you have conducted some research into the firm, reflect on your skills and experiences and consider whether they are transferable to the position you are applying for. Try not to just list your skills and experiences. That is what your CV is for! Rather, reflect on how your experiences and achievements have shaped you as a person.
Write
Although it may seem daunting, the best way to write a cover letter is to simply start drafting and reviewing from the perspective of a recruiter. Refer to the cover letter samples to get yourself started. Try not to copy the language of the sample cover letters as the key objective is to be outstanding.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING
Clarity of Expression
Make sure your writing is concise, clear, and flows logically. Remember, this is a display of written communication skills. You want to demonstrate a capacity to write persuasively and eloquently. Think of your cover letter as if it was a university assignment, where the marker is the firm.
Attention to Detail
Ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Although this seems self-explanatory, many students fail this small step. A single error can reduce your chances in this highly competitive process. Read it out loud to yourself to catch any potential errors or ask a friend to read over it. Additionally, make sure the experiences and skills described in your cover letter correlate with your CV. It is no use describing an experience in your cover letter if it is contradicted by your CV, or vice versa.
FINALISING A COVER LETTER
Headings
Cover letters should be one page maximum. Remember to include your full name, address, email, and phone number in the top right corner of the page. Also, you should include the date on the top left hand corner of the page, followed by the name of your contact person, their position within the firm, the name of the firm, and the address of the firm. If confused, refer to the sample cover letter for guidance.
Addressing Your Contact
Try to get hold of the contact information of the recruitment officer of the firm. This will personalise your cover letter. It is ok to begin your cover letter and address your contact as “Dear Sir/ Madam”. Try not to use the phrase “To whom it may concern”. Refer to the sample cover letter for guidance on formatting.
TIPS & TRICKS
Your cover letter should be tailored to the firm you are applying for. You should not be able to swap the name of the firm out for another firm and have it still make sense. Do your research and apply what you learn.
Don’t restrict your description of skills and experiences only to those relevant to the legal field. Non-legal experience and skills are very important and will differentiate you from other applicants.
Show, don’t tell. Steer clear from simply stating your skills. Instead, explain how you gained these skills and how you have applied them at relevant moments in your life.
Don’t be afraid to briefly describe your interests and hobbies. This can be a good interview icebreaker and will give the firm a good insight into who you are. Use alternative resources for tips and tricks on cover letters, CV’s, and interviews. These resources can include UNSW Careers & Employment, LinkedIn articles, and even social media influencers.
Don’t be afraid to mention events where you met firm representatives, drawing on specific aspects of the firm you head or talked about. Don’t abbreviate terms, especially not the name of the firm.
Proofread to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors . If possible, address the cover letter to the recruiter, which can usually be found on LinkedIn. Keep cover letter to one page
SAMPLE COVER LETTERS
Mike Smith 0490 576 293
Mike.Smith@unsw.edu.au
Donna Johnson
Talent Acquisition Consultant
Pearson, Spector & Litt
222 Smith Place, Sydney NSW 2000 15 April 2025
Re: Application for Pearson, Spector & Litt’s Summer Clerkship Program
Dear Ms Johnson,
I write to express my interest in Pearson, Spector & Litt’s Summer Clerkship Program. I am a current 4th year Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor Commerce (Finance) student at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). I have a strong distinction average, which I achieved whilst working part-time as a paralegal at Rand, Kaldor & Zane, and actively participating in extracurriculars, including being Private Law Careers Director at the UNSW Law Society.
My attraction to Pearson, Spector & Litt, began when I had the opportunity to meet firm representatives at the Private Law Carers Fair earlier this year. As a finance major, I was able to appreciate your role in the merger between Hardman Pty Ltd and the Bruno Organisation. This demonstrated the strength of your M&A department, which I am interested in and believe is extremely important considering there is currently a boom in M&A.
I have a keen interest in commercial law and specifically M&A, and I believe I would be a good fit for Pearson, Spector & Litt’s Summer Clerkship Program. I am a highly motivated and dedicated individual as demonstrated through my excellent academic record, and I have developed a broad range of analytical and research skills through both of my degrees.
As a paralegal with Rand, Kaldor & Zane, I enjoyed the dynamic nature of commercial law and assisted in preparing legal documents and researching issues of M&A. I hope to further develop these skills at Pearson, Spector & Litt, especially as a leading firm in M&A law as seen in your Chambers’ bank 1 ranking.
My personal values and interests suggest I would be an ideal cultural fit for Pearson, Spector & Litt. I actively participate in volunteer work with UNSW Arc Wellness Warriors and Shack Tutoring programs and would be keen to contribute to Pearson, Spector & Litt’s pro bono program. I share the social culture of Pearson, Spector & Litt as reflected through being a UNSW Law Society Private Law Careers Director in 2023. My drive for success and commitment to excellence is evidenced by having spent the 2022 winter break preparing for and ultimately winning the Intermediate Mooting Competition. My extensive extracurricular involvements have afforded me excellent organisational skills, and the ability to meet tight deadlines under pressure.
I understand that you will receive many applications for this role, I do, however, believe that my work as a paralegal with Rand, Kaldor & Zane has equipped me with the necessary skills to excel as a Law Clerk with Pearson, Spector & Litt. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my application at an interview. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Yours Sincerely, Mike Smith
SAMPLE TWO
Elle Wilson
Mobile: 0490 403 482
Email: Elle.Wilson@unsw.edu.au
Emmett Richmond
Graduate Resourcing Manager
Callahan & Huntington
584 Main Street, Sydney NSW 2000 15 April 2025
RE: Application for Callahan & Huntington Summer Clerkship Program
Dear Mr Richmond,
I am a penultimate year student undertaking a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws at the University of New South Wales, with a major in Politics and International Relations. For me, a position at Callahan & Huntington offers an unrivalled foundation to a rewarding career in commercial law. In turn, I thoroughly believe that I represent a promising candidate as someone who wholeheartedly embodies the values at the core of this firm.
I am drawn to Callahan & Huntington for your expertise in Banking and Finance, as illustrated by advising Woods Enterprise in their recent IPO, and would love to be at the forefront of such projects. My interest in Finance was developed through my experience as a law clerk in a boutique commercial law firm and further reflected in my attainment of a Distinction in Contracts and Business Associations. My dedication and passion in engaging with disruptive thinking align with Callahan & Huntington’s values of creative and innovative thinking, a point of conversation discussed with Banking and Finance lawyer, Vivian Kensington on the night of my firm visit.
I believe my experiences have allowed me to develop skills highly transferable to the Summer Clerkship Program at Callahan & Huntington. As a Food and Beverage Attendant, I assisted with various customer service requests in a fast-paced, high-performing environment, which strengthened my ability to engage effectively with clients from all walks of life.
Further, it allowed me to develop my verbal communication and teamwork skills. In my capacity as Junior Mooting Director with UNSW Law Society, I am responsible for facilitating and organising junior level moots. This role requires me to work with the other Junior Mooting Director, thus providing me with strong leadership and teamwork skills.
Like Callahan & Huntington, I recognise the fundamentality of human relationships and the importance of client satisfaction. I consider myself as someone who is easy to get along with while maintaining my professionalism. I have developed these interpersonal skills as LawPLUS mentor which required me to create a fun and supportive environment while I maintained a professional boundary between myself and my mentees. For this reason, I believe I would readily embrace the client-centric culture and would thrive in the friendly and open working environment that your firm promotes.
I firmly believe that I would complement the successful culture of Callahan & Huntington and would greatly relish the opportunity to build a meaningful career at such a prestigious firm.
Thank you for considering my application.
Kind regards, Elle Wilson
SAMPLE CVs
Lawrence Law
Email: lawrencelaw@student.unsw.edu.au | LinkedIn: lawrencelaw.linkedin.com | Mobile: 1234 567 890
I. Education
Bachelor of Commerce (Management)/Bachelor of Laws , University of New South Wales (2019 – 2024)
• Distinction Average: 79.73 WAM
• Law Dean’s List 2021
North Sydney Boys High School (2013– 2018)
• ATAR: 99.35
• Distinguished Achiever (90+) in Five Courses.
• Senior Prefect, Head of SRC, Executive Treasurer, Peer Mentor, State Chess.
II. Professional Experience
Paralegal, Law Firm LLP (2021 – Current)
• Primarily responsible for drafting legal research memorandums and analysis. Further administrative duties include document management, file archiving, and receptionist duty. Responsible for sending client and court correspondence.
• Developed familiarity with court electronic filing and lodgement systems, as well as the E-Discovery software Relativity
• Undertake drafting of court documents.
Flagship Sales Consultant, Hugo Boss (2018 – 2020)
• Provided exceptional customer service and styling expertise to clients in premium menswear.
• Maximised sales opportunities by developing a strong returning client base and exceeded average daily sales quotas of $4,000 during FY21.
Volunteer, Redfern Legal Centre (2019 – 2020)
• Assisted with preparing advice and letters for clients attending the centre.
• Met with clients and wrote file notes/minutes regarding the meeting for supervising lawyers.
• Gained experience in file management and experience in a wide range of legal matters, including employment law, housing regulations and discrimination law.
Audit & Assurance Summer Vacationer KPMG (Dec 2020 – Feb 2021)
• Performed detailed audit procedures and audit tests to verify client financial statement compliance in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) Accounting Standards.
• Prepared work papers and financial statements for FY20, in collaboration with corporate clients like Qantas, as well as KPMG partners, managers and senior accountants.
High School Tutor (2018 – 2021)
• Teaching weekly classes of up to 6 students, each with differing academic skills and needs. Constantly keeping up to date with ever-changing HSC course content as well as developing familiarity with a wide range of topic areas that I may not have studied myself in High School.
• Taught general class content, as well as providing guidance and feedback on assessments.
• Greatly improved student results, with examples including from 50%-85%.
• Provided weekly progress reports to parents.
III. Extra-Curriculars and Interests
Law Competitions
• UNSW Law Society Senior Mooting (2021)
• King & Wood Mallesons Senior Witness Examination (2021)
• Sydney University Law Society Multilateral Intervarsity Client Interviewing Competition (Grand Finalist) (External Competition);
• Australian Law Students Association Mooting (External Competition);
• UNSW Law Society Beginners Client Interviewing (Grand Finalist 2019)
• UNSW Law Society Senior Mooting (2021) (Semi-Finalist)
• King and Wood Mallesons Insight Program (2021): invited to participate in King and Wood Mallesons pre-penultimate program, designed to give students some insight into life at a top tier law firm in Australia. It also provided practical tips for preparing for employment, as well as applications for paralegal and graduate positions.
Leadership
• Senior’s Witness Examinations Director (2020) – Elected to run the Senior stream of the witness examination competition offered by the UNSW Law Society. Responsible for administrating, timetabling and judging the competition, as well as liaising weekly with external volunteer judges, including solicitors and barristers in the industry, as well as law firm representatives.
• North Sydney Boys Prefect (2018)
• Public Speaking (2015 – 2017): reached regional final in 2015, speaking on contentious cultural and political topics.
• School Debating (2013 – 2017)
• Mock Trial (2017): progressed to the second knockout round of over 60 schools, gained a basic understanding of legal advocacy and the processes of Court proceedings.
• St Vincent DePaul Op Shop (2016 – 2017): volunteer responsible for organising clothing and homeware item donations and communicating with senior volunteers to assist with the general operations of the donation store.
SAMPLE CVs
SAMPLE TWO
Sally Student
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-student/| 0405-555-555 | sallystudent@bigpond.net.au
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) and Bachelor of Laws
University of New South Wales
• Distinction average (78.64/100)
Marketing Exchange Student
Overseas University, Singapore
• 1st Place Consulting Case Competition 2019
• University of NSW International Exchange Scholarship
Higher School Certificate
Sydney Girls High School
• ATAR: 99.6
• School Prefect and School Trophy for All-Round Excellence and Service
• Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Negotiations, Australian Law Students Association National Competition (Melbourne), 2019
• Best Delegate, UNSW Model UN (Thailand), 2019
• Finalist, Senior Witness Examination Competition, 2018
• Runner Up, Intermediate Negotiations Competition, 2018
• Finalist, UNSW Law Hackathon, 2017
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Summer Vacationer
Deloitte Consulting, Sydney
Volunteer
Kingsford Legal Centre, Sydney
• Assisting with preparing advice and letters for clients dropping into the Centre
• Drafting and proofreading correspondence and legal correspondence
• Obtaining client instructions and providing initial advice, information and referrals
• Managing the Centre’s Pro Bono Project
Jan 2018 - Nov 2022
June 2019 - December 2019
2012 - 2017
Dec 2020 - Feb 2021
• Assisted in the creation of a market overview analysing the key trends in the Australian cheese industry worth $3.5bn
• Researched and analysed the industry value chain, recent consolidation trends, market segmentation and underlying drivers of demand for Australian cheese
Consulting Intern
Kanter Infrastructure and Utilities, Singapore
• Led research and market analysis on the automotive industry in Thailand
July 2019 - November 2019
• Designed optimal sourcing for Kanter’s operating systems, including automobile manufacturing and assembling facilities, ensuring effective financial budget management; devised a WACC model for present operation, estimating $21M USD net present value
• Delivered a client facing report, business report and plan to the Independent Executive Director and board
Paralegal Jan 2019 - May 2019
Australian Law Firm, Sydney
• Conduct legal research into different commercial law areas
• Document review using relativity for litigation
May 2018 - Aug 2019
• Supervising the Centre’s volunteers’ duties including file open and closure, client interviews and advice shifts
Legal Assistant
George Street Chambers, Sydney
• Performed administrative duties including invoicing, drafting costs agreements and filing briefs
Feb 2018 - Aug 2019
• Assisted in preparing for cases, including draft chronologies of events, legal research and reviewing evidence
• Supported barristers in litigation by conducting research and compiling evidence
EXTRACURRICULAR EXPERIENCE
Vice-President (Administration)
UNSW Marketing Society
• Overseeing a group of 4 students in order to ensure the cohesion and effectiveness of the society
Nov 2020 - Present
• Liaising with Arc in order to source internal funding and to ensure compliance with university guidelines and policies
• Ensuring society meets re-affiliation requirements by preparing motions for general meetings, making changes to the constitution and maintaining all documents and reports
Music Director
UNSW Law Society
• Overseeing a group of 4 students in order to ensure the cohesion and effectiveness of the society
Nov 2019 - Oct 2020
• Liaising with Arc to source internal funding and to ensure compliance with university guidelines and policies
• Ensuring society meets re-affiliation requirements by preparing motions for general meetings, making can changes to the constitution and maintaining all documents and reports
Entertainment Coordinator
Nov 2018 - Oct 2019 UNSW Arc (Yellow Shirts)
• Organised and produced a major live entertainment line up across five nights for all first years on UNSW campus during O-Week
• Sourced live acts, negotiation of entertainment contracts, promotion of events and overseeing technical production requirements
Publications Director
UNSW Business Society
Nov 2019 - Oct 2020
• Worked in a team in order to prepare all publication materials for the society including the Marketing Careers Publications
• Prepared weekly email newsletters for all society members
• Managed and crafted text and visual content for society’s social media accounts
INTERESTS & SKILLS
• Interests: Pianist and Band Member, UNSW Law Society Law Band and Runner with UNSW RunSoc
• Languages: Native Proficiency in English and Mandarin, Beginners in Spanish
• Recreational Interests: Kickboxing, archery, food and travelling
REFEREES
Lisa Wong
Senior Associate, Australian Law Firm
M: 0490 909 909
E: lisa.gong@chambers.com
ONLINE SCREENING QUESTIONS
OVERVIEW
Some firms may also ask online screening questions that are designed to evaluate candidates' qualifications, experience, skills, and suitability for the position.
These questions serve multiple purposes, including assessing candidates' prior experiences, motivations and suitability for the firm.
Additionally, screening questions aim to gauge candidates' communication skills, both written and oral, which are essential for the clerkship role.
Overall, these screening questions help identify candidates who possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and qualities to excel in the role.
MAXIMISING SUCCESS
Keep answers succinct and clear. A clear structure is crucial for these shorts answers.
Adhere to the word limit (if specified).
Answers should add onto your cover letter. This is an opportunity to bring your CV and cover letter to life.
Tailor answers to the firm that you are applying to.
PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS
OVERVIEW
Many firms include psychometric testing as part of the clerkship application process. These assessments may evaluate numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, abstract logic, situational judgement, and even personality traits. While you can’t “study” for these tests in a traditional sense, you can improve your performance with preparation.
TIPS:
• Familiarise Yourself with the Format: Practise using free resources online (e.g. GradTests, Revelian, or Practice Aptitude Tests) to become comfortable with the structure and timing of common assessments.
• Practise Under Time Pressure: Most tests are time-limited; work on accuracy, but also build speed.
• Use Process of Elimination: For reasoning-based questions, narrow down your options quickly to avoid wasting time.
• Don’t Overthink: Answer honestly and consistently. These tests are designed to measure behavioural preferences, not trick you.
• Be Calm and Well-Rested: Mental clarity matters. Set yourself up with a quiet space, a good night’s sleep, and limited distractions.
Firms are not expecting perfection, rather, they’re assessing problem-solving approaches and alignment with their organisational culture. Practice can make a meaningful difference, especially with unfamiliar question types.
THE SELECTION CRITERIA
OVERVIEW
Using the selection criteria will help ensure you have met all of the employer’s key requirements. The selection criteria are a list of the essential and desirable skills, attributes, experiences, and education deemed necessary for a position.
Selection criteria are used to help select the most capable, suited, and qualified person for the job. Applicants must demonstrate and prove the ways in which they will be of value for the job and the organisation. Your application may not be shortlisted if it fails to establish how you meet any one of the criteria. Applicants who are able to successfully and competitively demonstrate that they meet each of the selection criteria will usually be offered an interview.
From the organisation’s point of view, selection criteria can help standardise the recruitment process. They serve as a guide for employees and recruiters to help look for essential and desirable requirements in applicants, which can help reduce personal and social bias in selection decisions, and to ensure that the most suitable candidate is selected.
Selection criteria common to many graduate jobs include:
• Organisational and planning skills;
• Accuracy and attention to detail;
• Written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; and
• Problem solving and data analysis skills.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE SELECTION CRITERIA?
When holistically considering an individual’s characteristics, law firms (and companies in the private sector as a whole) generally have a loose selection criteria they hire candidates based upon. However, they may not be as clear or rigidly followed as selection criteria in the Public Service. Selection criteria for jobs in the private sector may be available from the manager of a work unit or the recruitment consultant who is working to fill the position.
TIPS
When addressing the selection criteria, it is important to be precise and explicit. It is not enough to simply state that you meet the selection criteria; you need to tie your skills and experiences directly to the criteria at hand. A good way of addressing selection criteria is by using the STAR formula. The STAR formula is structured as follows:
• Situation: where, when and context of your example
• Task: the task or problem to be solved
• Action: how you solved the problem, achieved the goal, or handled the dispute
• Result: the outcome achieved as a result of your actions
Clarify the selection criteria by either requesting a recruitment package, analysing the job advertisement, or speaking to the contact officer or recruitment consultant. Research the position and the organisation further. Alternatively, attend firm presentations and speak to firm representatives when they are on campus.
THE INTERVIEW
OVERVIEW
An interview is the culmination of your research into the firm and your personal ‘sales effort’ represented by your cover letter and CV. Reaching the interview stage is an achievement, as partners are willing to give up time and high billable hours to meet and get to know you.
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Interviews can vary significantly depending on the particular organisation. You can even experience very different styles of interview between particular interviewers at the same organisation. Given that you might not be able to predict what kind of interview situation you will be walking into, it is useful to be aware of the different varieties. In the instance you do know something about how the interview will run, this is a great opportunity to practice what you might say.
The first aspect of the interview which may vary is the number of interviewers. Depending on the number of interviewers, the manner in which you respond may differ. Regardless of the situation ensure you give ample eye contact to everyone in the room to demonstrate that you are comfortable holding a conversation with multiple listeners. As an example, clerkship interviews often will consist of two interviewers who may be lawyers, human resources employees or both.
The number of candidates in the room may also vary; you may be interviewing with other applicants for the job. In these interviews you have the opportunity to demonstrate that you are able to listen to others in the room, whilst clearly conveying your own responses. Bounce off the ideas of others in the room and try to help everyone feel included. Take initiative with your responses without being too authoritative.
Remember that in this kind of situation it is important that the group achieve its assigned goal and that to stand out, one does not always have to be the leader of your group. Observers will assess your contribution to discussion, expression, reaction to others and contribution towards reaching group goals.
To perform successfully you should consider your position before contributing, listen to and support others, show courtesy and tact, remain composed and keep a focus on the goal and on time limits.
Another variable in the interview process is the structure of the interview itself. Some have set questions to be answered, while other interviews have no structure and may take the form of a conversation. Remember this is a sliding scale and interviews may be a blend of the two, with some requisite questions asked with casual conversation in between. A top tip is to do a quick search of people’s interview experiences at the organisation or similar organisations, so you can be prepared for the interview environment you will be heading in to.
GENERAL INTERVIEW TIPS
• If you are asked to answer behavioural questions (e.g. “tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership”), use the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This allows you to support your answer with concrete evidence. What action did you undertake and what was the result of the action?
• Be yourself, be calm and try not to show your nervousness.
• Small talk is good to break the ice before and after the formal part of the interview.
• Make sure you re-read your cover letter and resume before the interview to remind yourself of what you wrote
Know your CV and cover letter like the back of your hand! Your CV and cover letter have created a positive impression, so you now have an opportunity to reinforce this opinion. The interview should be seen as a twoway process: the firm will ask you to expand on elements of your cover letter and CV, and you will be expected to ask questions of the interviewer(s), which allows them to find out more about you and ensure you are the ideal candidate for the job.
RESEARCH
As you did for the cover letter, you need to research the firm in more detail for the interview. Aside from preparing for likely interview questions, you will also be expected to have done some research into each law firm. You should research:
• The firm’s practice areas and particular strengths;
• The organisational structure, rough number of partners/ lawyers/directors etc. (briefly);
• The name(s) of key people in the organisation. Mention this only if you have something interesting to say (e.g. admire a Partner’s leadership style);
• The firm/organisation’s culture, values, atmosphere (crucial and should be incorporated into your responses);
• The organisation’s recent work, deals, cases or transactions;
• Business affairs, such as a recent or intended merger;
• Brief understanding of the firm’s reputation;
• The structure, activities, number of rotations etc of the position you are applying for; and,
• The current issues facing the legal industry, e.g. competition from overseas firms.
Don’t forget to revise any personal knowledge or familiarity with current employees of the firm/ organisation. You may have met them at the various cocktail evenings, or you may also know recent UNSW clerks or graduates. Research methods include:
• The firm / organisation’s website, particularly pages such as ‘Our People’, ‘Our Culture’ and those dealing with the clerkship and graduate programme.
• Media (Australian Financial Review (Friday legal affairs section); Lawyers Weekly)
• Speaking with employees of the firm/organisation at various events held in the lead-up to the interview period.
ON THE DAY What to Bring
In order to feel confident and well prepared you will want to take a copy of your CV, cover letter, and the official copy of your academic transcript available from Student Central.
Presentation
You have the firm’s attention, and they already value your skills and experience. The interview is your chance to continue to impress them. You need to create a positive and professional impression to give yourself the competitive edge.
Clothes
Generally, formal business attire is most appropriate. However, dressing standards might differ depending on the firm or organisation. Choose styles and colours that do not distract others or yourself. They should fit well, be in good repair and be neatly pressed.
Make a Good First Impression
Your relationship with the interviewers, especially your non-verbal communication is crucial in the success of the interview. If you appear to be confident and enthusiastic from the outset, your answers are more likely to be reviewed positively.
THE INTERVIEW
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Starting the Interview Confidently
The impression you create will weigh upon the tone of voice you use. Attempt to communicate positive emotions (interest, enthusiasm or confidence) rather than negative emotions (anxiety, uncertainty or boredom). Modulate your voice to maintain the attention of your interviewers and use hand gestures where appropriate to reinforce an image of confidence
Introducing Yourself
Preparing an opening line may assist you to exude an air of confidence. Use a simple phrase such as, ‘Good morning, pleased to meet you. I’m Isaac Dela Torre’. Choose something you feel comfortable saying and say it instinctively. Smile and talk to, not at, the interviewer. Show the interviewer that you are glad to meet them, and you are enthusiastic about the job. Remember, you do not have to use this opening - another conversation may take place - but it can be reassuring to have a backup opening line.
Building Rapport
While having canned small talk on the weather or news may help ease initial nervousness, the most important aspect to building rapport is being genuine. Coming off as artificial can be just as damaging as a slight bit of awkwardness. During the interview take into account their language, body language, and consider their perspective to form your responses effectively.
Body Language
Maintain appropriate eye contact throughout the interview (do not stare or look away too much). Listen carefully to what the interview is telling you about the organisation and your likely role within it in order to ask informed questions in response. Use appropriate listening cues such as nodding in order to look engaged at all times.
Answering Questions
Listen to the interviewer and clarify the question if you do not understand it to allow yourself to answer the question adequately. The bucket approach (i.e. throwing everything that you know about the question) will not effectively answer the question. Try to relate your answers to the requirements of the position and the organisations.
TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
There are many types of interview questions, and while the underlying intent of the interviewer may be self-evident with some, for others it’s important to understand what the interviewer is trying to find out about you. Regardless of the question asked, remain calm and confident in your answer
Introductory/Background Questions
These questions are designed to find out a little bit more about you. It is a chance for you to explain what you have done, your attitudes and values, and the choices you’ve made in your life. It is often a good idea to address the question in a reverse chronological order and also to start with a brief synopsis. Remember that you need to be informative without going into so much detail that you bore your interviewers. Such questions may be as follows:
Tell me about yourself.
How would you describe yourself? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Is there an achievement of which you are particularly proud of? What is it and why is it significant?
Objectives
With these questions, you need to demonstrate to the interviewer that you have thought about what it is that you want from working at the firm and what you hope to achieve. At the same time you need to assure them that you are flexible and would be prepared to work in a range of areas. Some example questions include:
• What are your long term and short term goals and objectives?
• How are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
• What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
Behavioural Questions
To address these questions apply the STAR model and consider various scenarios, such as a time you were a good leader, resolved a problem, or adjusted to a last minute change. Questions:
• ‘Tell us about a time you resolved a conflict’.
• ‘Give me an example in your career where you felt like giving up but managed to keep going.’
Career Interests
Employers are often keen to find out what your major areas of interest are so that they can better assess how well you will fit into their organisation, both now as well as your potential to develop within the organisation in the future. Questions:
• Why do you want to become a corporate lawyer?
• What kind of positions are you interested in?
• Do you have a locational preference?
• What is your understanding of the current legal climate here in Australia?
• Are you willing to travel or relocate?
Your Contribution to the Organisation
• Why should we consider you for this position?
• In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
• What other skills would you like to develop in the future?
Commitment to Work and to the Organisation
An employer is interested in how your values are aligned with their firms. This is one area where you will shine if you have done thorough research.
• What do you know about our company?
• How do you keep informed professionally?
• Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?
Education
With these questions, interviewers hope to gain more insight into your educational background. Most importantly, they are interested in the reasoning behind your decision to study the course you did and what you think you have attained from your studies. Follow-up questions include:
• Why did you choose to study law?
• What university subjects did you like the best and least? Why?
• Do you plan to continue studying?
• What part of your education do you see as being most relevant to this position?
• Is your academic performance any indication of how you will do this job?
• What do you like about your discipline of study?
• Why did you fail/perform poorly in this subject?
As for this final question, it simply demands honesty: the firm is likely to be satisfied if you can cite extracurricular commitments, employment or something similar. The benefit of such a response is that you are simultaneously outlining a strength, namely your involvement in activities outside university and your work experience.
THE INTERVIEW
Work Experience
• Do you have any vacation employment or previous experience in the legal context?
• Most jobs have their frustrations and problems. Describe some that have particularly dissatisfied you.
• What have been the most satisfying aspects of jobs that you have held?
• What has been the value of your previous work experience?
Other Interests
With these questions, employers are trying to gain a better understanding of you, and thereby better assess how well you are going to fit in with the company. There are no right answers to these questions, but it is important to think about how your interests and goals fit in with what the company does and how it hopes to develop in the future.
• What are your outside interests?
• Who is your favourite novelist?
• Do you like/dislike football?
Approach to Work
Employers are often interested in knowing how you manage different responsibilities, particularly how you prioritise your time. They are also interested in knowing how you cope in stressful situations involving tight deadlines and large amounts of work.
• How do you work under pressure?
• How do you balance work priorities and those of your personal life and family?
• Give me an example of when you had to work to an important deadline. What did you do to ensure that the deadline was met?
• Have you ever had to persuade people to your way of thinking?
• Describe a situation when you had to explain a difficult concept to someone. Tell me about your approach. How do you know they understood?
Problem Solving/Analytical Skills
• Here is a problem that we faced recently, how would you have dealt with that?
• Tell me about a time when, despite careful planning, things got out of hand.
Teamwork/Leadership
• Have you been in any situations where you have been required to perform as a part of a team? What was the situation, what part did you play in the team and what was the outcome of the exercise?
• Can you describe a time when your team fell apart. What was your role in the outcome?
• What kind of people do you find difficult to work with and why?
• Tell me about a difficult situation when you pulled the team together.
• Tell me about a time when you took leadership role of a group.
• What is your style of influencing/leading people?
Creativity/Initiative
• Have you ever been responsible for the generation of a new idea or suggestion? Describe and explain.
• Tell me of a time when you generated a creative solution to a problem.
Client Focus
• What is your definition of ‘excellent’ client service?
• Tell me about a time when you went beyond the call of duty to help a client.
• Describe a situation that illustrates how you developed a positive relationship with a client.
QUESTIONS YOU MAY ASK
At the end of the interview you will be given the opportunity to ask questions of your interviewer(s). This is not a mere formality, it is expected that you ask some questions, which at the very least will reflect your interest in the organisation or firm. Be judicious in your choice of questions. Asking questions with an obvious answer would reflect inadequate thought and preparation. Always prepare a list of potential questions to ask in advance. Examples of such questions include:
• Why did you choose to work here? What was the ‘clincher’ in your decision? What did you find unique about this firm?
• How is a work/life balance encouraged in this firm? How do you achieve this balance?
• How often is feedback provided, both to summer clerks and to full-time lawyers?
• What sort of induction and training do you normally offer?
• What is the firm’s policy on taking leave for further study or associateships?
• What long-term career opportunities are available at the firm?
• What do you enjoy about your practice group? What led you to work in it?
• What sort of work would I be doing in your practice group?
• Are there any secondment opportunities for lawyers at this firm?
• What ‘extracurricular’ activities are available for clerks?
• What is your usual retention rate between summer clerks and graduate lawyers?
• How many years of service does it tend to take for a lawyer to be promoted to a senior associate or partner? What other factors are relevant in such a promotion?
• How do the various practice groups communicate and collaborate with each other when a matter requires it?
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Be sure to follow up and write a thank you letter to the HR from the firms you receive an offer from.
MENTAL WELLBEING COMMERCIAL AWARENESS
WHAT IS IT?
Commercial awareness is staying frequently informed of the developments occurring in the business world. It encompasses considering the potential implications of an event and how it will affect the commercial space. These events could include geopolitical developments, changes in economic policy, or even the current financial climate in which we live. Regularly seeking news on significant deals, transactions, and issues in the industry places you in a position to consider the interests of firms you apply for, and the clients they represent.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
The corporate workplace is highly competitive, and employees are expected to have awareness of the space they are operating in. Having knowledge about matters affecting firms and the clients they work with is therefore crucial. Establishing meaningful relationships with clients and avoiding poor business decisions are therefore key benefits of possessing commercial awareness. Major law firms are deeply embedded into the commercial space and thus look for applicants that understand the realities of business and how financial news affects the legal and corporate industries.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER?
Having surface-level knowledge about the occurrence of an event is not sufficient. Having commercial awareness involves asking yourself key questions about an event:
• Why has it happened?
• Why do you consider it to be significant?
• Who are the stakeholders, and what implications does this event have on them?
• Do you agree with how stakeholders have managed the situation?
• Does the event cause any challenges for the commercial or legal space that will be relevant to a firm’s clients?
You also need to consider that commercial awareness takes time to develop; it cannot be developed overnight. Building knowledge on events and news over time is crucial to developing comprehensive commercial awareness.
HOW TO STAY COMMERCIALLY AWARE
• Read the business pages from key news providers and follow the stories and trends they report over time – connect the dots.
• Keep an eye out for significant deals occurring in the commercial world, as these impact the industry and beyond in addition to the parties who are directly involved.
• The monthly UNSW Law Society Private Law Careers Commercial Awareness update is a good place to start!
• If you do not understand something initially, display initiative and conduct further research.
• Some interesting sources to keep a tab on include, but are not limited to:
◊ Lawyers Weekly ◊ Australian Lawyer
◊ Australian Financial Review
◊ The Economist
◊ The New York Times
◊ Bloomberg News
Financial Times ◊ International Financial Law Review
The clerkship application period can be one of the most stressful times in a law student’s time at law school. But remember, clerkships are by no means the be-all and end-all. It is important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally during this time.
TAKE A BREAK
If you have spent the day balancing university study, work and writing clerkship applications your brain is likely tired and fatigued. This is a great time to take a break! Studies say that you should take a break from studying every one to two hours. A great way to ensure you are taking enough breaks is to schedule them. On these breaks, you could go for a walk and get some fresh air or catch up with friends.
REWARD YOURSELF
Law school is hard. Work is hard. Clerkship applications are hard. But that doesn’t mean that you should compromise your health and wellbeing for the sake of furthering your career. It’s a good idea to just switch off once in a while and do something you enjoy. Always make time for your family, friends, and most importantly, for yourself. Prioritise your health so that it does not start a negative feedback loop whereby every aspect of your life and career are impacted by poor health. Ensure you are getting regular and sufficient sleep, maintain sleep hygiene, take supplements, eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet and relieve physical and mental stress through exercise or decompression activities such as recreational yoga. This is important, as maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help tide you over and keep you going for the semester and/or your application period.
BUILD YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK AND USE IT It’s no secret that law students suffer from higher levels of depression and anxiety. Add part or even full-time employment and a stressful application period into the mix & you may be left feeling seriously overextended. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your support network! Your support network could include friends, family, your GP or a psychologist. When you are stressed out, reach out to friends and family for support, even if this is just to chat with them about what is going on. If you are struggling, you can also reach out to UNSW Psychology and Wellbeing who can provide free counselling or contact your GP who can provide you with a mental health care plan and receive up to 10 free or subsidised psychologist visits.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
• UNSW Psychology and Wellbeing: https://www.student.unsw.edu.au/counselling
• Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• LifeLine Crisis hotline: 13 11 14
• Contact your GP for a mental health care plan to receive up to 10 free or subsidised psychology sessions.
CLERKSHIPS & TRIMESTERS
CLERKSHIP
DATES AND 3+
Under the UNSW3+ academic calendar, students now annually enrol in courses for each Term of the coming year from October.
• Students are able to apply for a Summer Clerkship in T2 and will be notified of the outcome by early T3.
• Students apply for a Summer Clerkship from early June in T2 and will be notified of the outcome in week 1 of T3 by the firms. Students will have 24 hours to accept an offer from a firm.
• Students who do not receive an offer are advised that if they are enrolled in compatible clerkship courses in T3, it may be worth reconsidering whether to proceed with these courses or to change enrolment to other electives based on their interest or a wish to diversify assessment timelines across your T3 courses. Please make any changes to enrolment promptly, and ideally before the T3 census date!
• Students who accept an offer but have NOT enrolled in clerkship compatible courses should enrol into a compatible course(s) immediately. During Week 1 of T3, there is some movement as students adjust enrolment based on the outcome of the clerkships process, and students are advised to watch for places at frequent intervals.
• The Law Faculty advises that any student who accepts an offer can seek assistance, if needed, to enrol in a clerkship compatible course. Please contact the Faculty Careers Manager, Ms Brooke Johnson, brooke.johnson@unsw.edu.au, providing your contact number on the day of acceptance. Proof of offer and current enrolment information must be provided. NOTE – the faculty does not guarantee choice of course that is clerkship compatible.
AVOIDING OVERLAPS BETWEEN T3 ELECTIVES AND CLERKSHIPS
To maximise compatibility with Clerkship programs, UNSW Law is offering a higher than usual number of electives to UG and JD students in T3 that do not feature a formal examination (or in which such assessment is optional) that would clash with the start of Clerkships.
Additionally, a number of these electives are taught intensively and will commence in Week 2 of T3. This will enable students who need to alter their enrolment after receiving an offer to change into a course without having missed the first week of classes. UNSW Law has reviewed current enrolment figures in T3 electives and noted that UG and JD places remain across the offerings. Further places may be opened up in some courses as required in Week 1, T3.
Students who receive an offer will be assisted, as needed, to enrol in an elective compatible with undertaking a Clerkship. However, choice of course is not guaranteed.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Because students will be required to prepare applications for clerkships during Term 2 rather than in the semester break that existed under the former academic calendar, the faculty is committed to providing them with greater support so they may maintain focus on their study and still seek clerkship positions to the same extent as previously. Students should attend one of the Law & Justice Careers Services established to help students’ best position themselves to secure a rewarding job at the end of their studies.
DOMESTIC LAW FIRM PROFILES
Your future starts here
At A&O Shearman, you don’t have to blend in to belong and you don’t need to wear yourself down to excel. Join our summer clerkship program and we will support you to learn as much as possible about who we are, give you access to the people and leaders you’ll work alongside and develop the skills you need to excel with us.
A&O SHEARMAN – AN UNPARALLELED COMBINATION
In May 2024, Allen & Overy and Sheaman & Sterling merged to create A&O Shearman, a global law firm built to achieve unparalleled outcomes for the world’s leading businesses. Building on the legacy of both firms and with some of the greatest legal talent around the world, A&O Shearman is the first fully integrated global industry-leading law firm.
At A&O Shearman, we recruit the best and ask for the best of you. We provide challenge, support and a place for you to belong. And together we excel.
We invest in you – you’ll constantly learn and grow with exceptional professional and personal development opportunities. We invite you to bring your whole self to work.
You belong – Teamwork is essential, and you’ll achieve more together than you would alone. We’re building a workplace where progress is made by harnessing our differences. We nurture a friendly, dynamic and stimulating atmosphere, where you’re valued for who you are, as much as you’re valued for what you do.
You excel – With high expectations and high performance, this is an environment where you can truly excel, building enduring relationships with clients as you tackle challenging and rewarding assignments.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Our summer clerkship program is a great way to experience firsthand our work and culture. During the program, you will gain real experience working alongside our lawyers on real deals and cases as well as specifically designed exercises that provide a valuable insight into the role of an A&O Shearman lawyer. Bespoke training will be provided by some of our leading lawyers in Australia and across our global network.
In addition to completing rotations in two of our practice areas in the Sydney office, our previous summer clerks have been able to spend time in one of our Asia Pacific or US offices during the program. This experience will give you a greater understanding of our global network and a taste of future opportunities at A&O Shearman.
As your career progresses with A&O Shearman, you will be given a range of choices to develop your experiences, such as taking up the opportunity to spend time working in another office, whether that’s a rotation as a junior lawyer, a longer term secondment or a permanent transfer.
TOP TIER AUSTRALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL WORK
At A&O Shearman, we advise on our clients most strategically important business decisions. With a track record of advising on complex, Australian and cross-border matters for market leading
organisations, we are able to offer our clients the best of both worlds: the expertise and resources of a global elite law practice coupled with seasoned practitioners with Australian and international experience.
We focus on innovative and expert legal solutions across a broad range of areas: mergers and acquisitions; private equity; capital markets; regulatory and funds; anti-trust/competition; litigation and dispute resolution; banking and finance; infrastructure and projects; energy and resources; communications, outsourcing and technology and tax.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
There is no typical A&O Shearman lawyer. We realise each person has their unique skills and qualities. Our shared culture and the values inspire the way we work and behave: instinctively thoughtful, collectively ambitious, insightfully inventive and refreshingly open.
In addition to excellent academic results, we seek law students in their penultimate year who are team players, have a global mindset, are good communicators, have strength in planning and organisation, are adept at problem solving and have general commercial awareness with an overall ambition to build a career at A&O Shearman.
Starting as a graduate with A&O Shearman Australia is just the beginning of what will be a stimulating and rewarding legal career. We will work closely with you to ensure you have the right support to develop into a successful international commercial lawyer.
In fact, one of the things our graduates value most about being at A&O Shearman is the in-depth training and development they receive.
As a successful global firm we look for people who have an international outlook. As a graduate, you will work closely with colleagues across our international offices and will build up a network of cross-jurisdictional contacts. As business, law and finance become ever more globally integrated, a new and specific class of lawyer is needed, one with a clear understanding of how the requirements of their clients are changing in this increasingly international landscape.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
A&O Shearman has provided me with opportunities to travel from day one. During my summer clerkship I was able to spend a week in the Ho Chi Minh office. While working on cases in the litigation team I and other team members have had the opportunity to travel to hearings in other states. I have attended training programs in both London and Singapore, and I have just completed a 9 month secondment with the London office.
THE PEOPLE
You get to work with people who are absolutely incredible in their field, intelligent and always push you to challenge yourself and go further. You often get trusted to do high-level work not otherwise typically given to juniors.
THE ENVIRONMENT
• There is always something to do, and new matters coming in -I think A&O Shearman is definitely appropriately described as "fast-paced"!
• Everyone works cohesively across teams to pitch in and get things done.
• The teams I've worked on are often quite small, which means I've been quite involved and an integral part of the team on a matter - in some cases it may even be just you and a partner working on a matter!
joined A&O Shearman as a summer clerk in 2018-2019, knowing I wanted to practice law, but not knowing what area I wanted to get into. completed the clerkship at A&O Shearman as it gave me the opportunity to see how different teams in a top tier law firm worked, and after that, I spent time as a paralegal with the funds and tax teams, which showed me a whole different side of the law than what I was used to. After that completed graduate rotations across tax, corporate and litigation, and loved working in each of them but ultimately settled in litigation.
Pam Vassil Lawyer, Sydney THEWORK
• The work we undertake, even in the litigation and investigations team, is often multi jurisdictional, and we work with other offices across the network and international clients.
• The matters are usually quite complex and never the same.
• Building on that, the work I do as a junior is so varied - one day I'll be drafting letters which relate to potential disputes, the next preparing court documents for proceedings in courts around Australia, and then the next, I'll be assisting our transaction teams with the dispute aspects of various deeds and agreements.
• Under the investigations practice, we also work on sanctions issues and anti-bribery and corruption aspects of corporate matters, as well as assisting corporations with their policies and training. This usually has international aspects and is an interesting are to look at.
PROBONO
• There are opportunities to assist with global and local pro bono projects involving research and submissions on important social issues.
I've assisted with research projects into torture prevention and on the interpretation of the right to life in the context of reproductive rights. More locally we've assisted non-profit organisation with submissions on freedom of information and privacy laws.
• In addition to legal pro bono, A&O Shearman engages in community development, and over my time at A&O Shearman I have worked with our charity partners to take on mentoring activities with organisations like Career Trackers and ABCN.
TRAVEL
Finally, working at A&O Shearman means working in a truly international firm. I've had the opportunity to travel to our APAC and London offices for training and career development, and networked with my colleagues from around the world. Learn
A&O Shearman
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
We focus on innovative and expert legal solutions across a broad range of areas: mergers and acquisitions; private equity; capital markets; regulatory and funds; anti trust/ competition; litigation and dispute resolution; banking and finance; infrastructure and projects; energy and resources; communications, outsourcing and technology and tax.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
In Australia, there are 27 partners and 85 lawyers. Globally, there are 700 partners and 4,000 lawyers.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
In May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to create A&O Shearman, a global law firm built to achieve unparalleled outcomes for the world’s leading businesses. Building on the legacy of both firms and with some of the greatest legal talent around the world, A&O Shearman is the first fully integrated global industry leading law firm.
At A&O Shearman:
1. We invest in you - you’ll constantly learn and grow with exceptional professional and personal development opportunities. We invite you to bring your whole self to work.
2. You belong - Teamwork is essential, and you’ll achieve more together than you would alone. We’re building a workplace where progress is made by harnessing our differences. We nurture a friendly, dynamic and stimulating atmosphere, where you’re valued for who you are, as much as you’re valued for what you do.
3. You excel - With high expectations and high performance, this is an environment where you can truly excel, building enduring relationships with clients as you tackle challenging and rewarding assignments.
HOW DOES THE FIRM ENCOURAGE A WORK/ LIFE BALANCE? WHAT DOES THE FIRM OFFER ITSEMPLOYEES?
Being part of a high-performance culture is rewarding, you engage in inspiring and challenging work, you’re expected to give your best and you’re trusted to deliver high-quality results. Wellbeing is essential to this – you need to be at your best to deal with the everyday and the exceptional with excellence, and to feel fulfilled in your work.
We support an agile and flexible working culture, based on trust. By being together around 60% of the time, we foster relationship building and knowledge-sharing in person, while providing you with the flexibility to work from home around 40% of the time. This helps us meet business, client, and personal needs
HOW DOES THE FIRM ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN ITS WORKPLACE?
Your unique perspective, attributes, and experiences are valued at A&O Shearman. Every day, we work to create an environment where everyone feels they can bring their authentic selves to work. Being part of A&O Shearman means being committed to cultivating an inclusive environment for each other.
DOES THE FIRM HIRE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FOR CLERKSHIPS AND / OR GRADUATE ROLES?
As a global firm, we welcome international students. Applicants will need to have the right to work in Australia at the time of the summer clerkship and be committed to starting their career in Sydney.
ARE THERE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES?
Casual paralegals are hired depending on business needs. If you would like to submit an application, please send your CV and transcript to australianrecruitment@aoshearman. com.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
8-14
WHAT DOES THE FIRM LOOK FOR IN CLERKS?
In addition to excellent academic results, we seek penultimate year students who are team players, show resilience, are good communicators, have strength in planning and organisation, are adept at problem solving and have general commercial awareness with an overall ambition to build a career at A&O Shearman.
WHATWORKDOESTHEFIRMOFFERACLERK?
Our summer clerkship program is a great way to experience firsthand our work and culture. During the program, you will gain real experience working alongside our lawyers on real deals and cases as well as specifically designed exercises that provide a valuable insight into the role of an A&O Shearman lawyer. Bespoke training will be provided by some of our leading lawyers in Australia and across our global network.
In addition to completing rotations in two of our practice areas in the Sydney office, our previous summer clerks have been able to spend time in one of our Asia Pacific and US offices during the program. This experience will give you a greater understanding of our global network and a taste of future opportunities at A&O Shearman.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED GRADUATE INTAKE THIS YEAR?
We have graduate intakes in March and September every year which we aim to hire through our summer clerkship for penultimate students. We had 10 graduates commence in our March 2025 intake.
DOESTHEFIRMTAKEGRADUATESDIRECTLY?
We aim to recruit our graduates through our summer clerkship program. Whether we hire additional graduates outside of the summer clerkship will be based on business need.
WHAT DOES THE FIRM OFFER ITS GRADUATES?
We nurture an environment and ways of working that help you to sustain high performance while optimizing your wellbeing, so you can feel good about yourself, your work, and your workplace.
We promote positive wellbeing through ways of working:
• Local wellbeing plans in every office, reviewed and reported by Office Heads.
• 40+ mental health advocates in leadership positions promote local wellbeing initiatives.
• Fair allocation of work to prevent disproportionate burden.
• Signatory of the Mindful Business Charter, implementing stress-reducing practices.
• Hybrid working policy for collaboration, learning, and flexibility.
DOES THE FIRM ASSIST GRADUATES TO COMPLETE THEIR PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING (PLT)?
We offer full financial support, including paying the course fee upfront and study leave when required.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL PROGRESSION PATH OF GRADUATES AT THE FIRM?
Being a transformational global law firm requires continuous growth and you are key to this. That's why we invest in you – providing a career which is tailored to your skills and knowledge, and helping you achieve your goals. We aim to bring you opportunities you wouldn't find anywhere else, and we empower you to drive your own development by providing access to industry-leading training and development at every point in your career. This investment will equip you with the knowledge, leadership, management, and business skills you need to reach your full potential.
ALLENS CONFIDENTIAL PODCAST graduates.allens.com.au/allens-confidential-podcast
Shape the future with Allens
At Allens, we’re focused on equipping our people with the skills and experience they need to be the lawyers of the future. We’re ready to define tomorrow. Are you?
CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
ALLENS VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP theforage.com/course-catalog/bkpwC4BQR5T7poydC/Allens
STUDENT NEWSLETTER graduates.allens.com.au/life-at-allens
LINKEDIN linkedin.com/company/allenslawfirm
PROSPLE au.prosple.com/graduate-employers/allens
A clerkship at Allens is the first step in a rewarding legal career, and will give you invaluable insights into our work and culture. With support from a buddy and development supervisor, you’ll work on real matters for real clients and be involved in a variety of projects. The programs:
run from three to 10 weeks;
are available at our Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney offices;
feature ongoing support, including a buddy system; and
include exposure to one or two practice groups.
GRADUATE PROGRAM
In each rotation, you’ll gain a depth of experience that comes from seeing matters through to the end, and get exposure to stimulating legal challenges. At Allens, we don’t work in silos, meaning you won’t be limited to working with only one partner or by your practice areas. You’ll work alongside a range of partners and lawyers, giving you exposure to a wide variety of tasks. Working with different teams and leading organisations, you’ll grow a solid skills base and develop the agility needed to thrive in our ever‑changing world. The programs include:
two 12‑month rotations in different practice areas;
secondment opportunities in London or Asia, via our alliance with Linklaters, or with clients;
ongoing supervision, coaching and mentoring;
completing a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (via University of New South Wales); and
a 12‑month weekly legal seminar series (Cornerstone Program).
Until now, I hadn’t really considered what my career might look like after my clerkship...
Since joining Allens however, I found myself completely inspired, especially by the female
powerhouses.
ALLENS CONFIDENTIAL PODCAST graduates.allens.com.au/allens-confidential-podcast
ALLENS VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP theforage.com/course-catalog/bkpwC4BQR5T7poydC/Allens
STUDENT NEWSLETTER graduates.allens.com.au/life-at-allens
LINKEDIN linkedin.com/company/allenslawfirm
Allens Linklaters
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
Arbitration; Banking & Finance; Capital Markets; Class Actions; Climate Change; Company Secretariat; Competition Law; Construction & Major Projects; Energy; Environment & Planning; Financial Services Regulation; Funds Management; Head Office & Governance; Insurance & Reinsurance; Intellectual Property; International Business Obligations; Litigation & Dispute Resolution; Mergers & Acquisitions; Patents & Trademarks; Personal Property Securities; Privacy & Data Protection; Private Equity; Project Finance, Resources; Restructuring & Insolvency; Superannuation; Tax; Technology & Outsourcing; Water; Workplace Relations.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
870 legal staff including around 152 Partners
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
Allens specialises in handling complex and difficult transactions that require exceptional legal, negotiation and project management skills. We have an alliance with Linklaters, which gives our people enormous opportunities to accelerate their careers within a global network.
For our clients, the alliance means access to strong teams in 41 offices across 26 countries. Our global teams act as one, sharing their knowledge, best-practice approaches and talents to help solve our clients’ most complex problems, seamlessly.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
Yes – our Dive In program. We welcome applications from second to third year undergraduate law student or first year Juris Doctor students. Students can apply to this program via an online application on our website in late March/April.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes we do, all applications are submitted online. As part of the application process you will need to provide us with a copy of:
• Your resume
• A cover letter
• Academic transcript
• Other supporting documents, such as your visa if applicable.
Our recruitment process involves:
• An online application – uploading the above documentation.
• Optional component:
• Rare – an optional recruitment survey that helps us to increase diversity in our workforce.
• The Contextual Recruitment System uses your educational, socioeconomic and personal information to provide us with a more complete picture of your background. It allows us to better understand your achievements, and the context in which they have been gained, beyond what we may see on your resume. The CRS is a ‘screen in’ tool, not a ‘screen out’ tool, and under no circumstances are candidates ever marked down for supplying or not supplying this information.
• Assessment – strengths based online assessment, through Cappfinity.
• Event (Allens Insider Access).
• Two interviews in Sydney
• Second event pre-offer.
You will be allocated a junior lawyer to act as your buddy throughout the recruitment process.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
We also accept applications from students in their final year of law.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
30-40
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THE FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
We’re proud that there isn't an 'Allens' type'. We know that diverse perspectives help solve complex problems, strengthen teams and enrich client relationships. The more you enjoy working with a diverse range of people, the greater your success will be.
While we celebrate our differences, it’s important to understand what unites us, and for us, that's our firm values. These help us to succeed as a team and individually:
• In it together
• Eyes on the horizon
• Courageous and creative
• Driven by excellence
• Fostering greatness
Building a culture of inclusion ensures our people can reach their full potential. For us, this starts with strong leadership. Our inclusion and diversity strategy is supported by an Inclusion and Diversity Council, chaired by our Managing Partner. This council provides sponsorship, role-modelling and drives initiatives across our firm.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Clerks will work with some of the most experienced lawyers in Australia and encounter first-hand the type of work you could do as a lawyer at Allens. You’ll get to be part of a team, assisting with real matters. Your performance coach and buddy will be there to support you, help you make the most of your clerkship, get to know our people, and thrive.
We believe that we stand out as an employer because of our highquality technical training and excellent learning environment. We’ll work with you to develop your understanding of commercial law and build your skills, providing the foundation you need to become a successful lawyer. You’ll be involved in some of the market's most complex domestic and global transactions.
Our clerkship program is a stepping stone to bigger things –most clerks go on to become graduates with us. Here is a quick rundown of what you can look forward to:
• a personalised induction program that introduces you to our people and the work we do;
• on-the-job training with support from a partner and a junior lawyer, who will act as your performance coach and buddy;
• learning opportunities across practice areas and partners, as we don't work in silos;
• the chance to work on real matters with many of Australia's and the world's top 100 companies;
• the opportunity to get involved in community and pro bono work, and learn about our committees and interest groups;
• the chance to learn about working within our alliance with Linklaters and about secondment opportunities;
• seminars that will build a strong foundation of skills to help you become an excellent lawyer and thrive in our everchanging world;
• social events, where you will really get to know us; and
• the opportunity to network with some of the best in the profession.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
• Be specific in your cover letter and interview answers.
• Do your research about the firm, be curious and interested in the work we do
• Submit all the documents that are requested
• Have a genuine interest in commercial law and matters that Allens gets involved in as you'll need to know this throughout the recruitment process.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Yes
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes we do have a graduate program, and we endeavor to fill our graduate positions through our clerkship program.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
As a Graduate at Allens, you’ll complete two 12-month rotations in different practice areas. We don’t work in silos, so you won’t be limited to working with only one partner or by your practice areas. There’s no substitute for the depth of insight that comes from working with different teams.
You’ll work on complex transactions with leading organisations. And, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a client or international secondment to London, Dubai or Asia via our Linklaters alliance.
Following the graduate program, you then may have the opportunity to progress into an associate role in a team you rotated in.
From your very first day, you will work alongside thought leaders in the profession on important and complex cases that will provide opportunities to flex your thinking, offer direct input and gain in-depth knowledge. Your opinions will be respected and you’ll be given autonomy to progress matters.
What can you expect from our program?
Your clerkship will provide you with a unique insight into the experience you would have as a Law Graduate at Arnold Bloch Leibler. You will be immersed in our culture and have a dedicated supervising partner from day one to guide you on active matters alongside the team and take on real responsibilities.
What do we look for in candidates?
We seek individuals who combine lateral thinking, diverse life experience, and exceptional commercial acumen with resilience and a genuine passion for the law. While academic excellence and intellectual aptitude are essential, we also place value on creativity, strategic thinking and a commitment to community.
We appreciate individuals who take initiative, actively engage in shared responsibility for their career development, and exhibit a strong dedication to continuous learning and personal growth.
“Clerking at ABL is an incredible fast-track to experiencing what it is like to work as a lawyer in a commercial law firm. From the first day I was trusted with the autonomy to conduct my own research and draft my own letters on issues impacting both corporate and private clients, with support from the lawyers in my team always close at hand.”
Dean Jarvis, 2022 Seasonal Clerk
HEAR FROM ONE OF OUR LAWYERS
DYLAN FELTHAM
– PROPERTY & DEVELOPMENT
AREA OF PRACTICE
Property law is a dynam c and essent a area of egal pract ce wh ch encompasses a broad range of ssues nvolv ng the ownership, use, development and transfer of land and rea estate Pract c ng in this ie d requires not only a deep understand ng of the law but also the abi ity to navigate complex transact ons, regu atory frameworks and evo v ng eg s at on In the ABL Property and Deve opment Team, the key areas of our practice can be spl t into the fo low ng categories acqu s tions and sa es; construct on and deve opment; eas ng property finance; and plann ng and environment
COMMERCIAL NATURE
f you had told me at university that wou d be work ng n a team which spec a ises n property law, wou d have aughed L ke many students, property aw was not my favourite un t due to ts intense, b ack- etter aw and heav ly theoretica nature Concepts such as prof ts a prendre and restrictive covenants were not my cup of tea Of course these concepts are important to understand and may come across our desks from time to t me but they are far from the norm in our day-to-day pract ce
n pract ce, property aw stands as one of the most commercial y dr ven areas of practice which requires awyers to be strategic commercial advisors focus ng less on the black- etter law and more on the commerc a ntentions of our c ients
Key contact
Monica Barrett
HR
Manager
MBarrett@abl.com.au
Th s provides a un que opportunity for property lawyers to have a constant real-world impact by assist ng peop e in building, deve op ng buying, se l ng or eas ng real property Th s sent ment rings true throughout my time at ABL where I have had the opportun ty to work on some amazing matters wh ch have had a signif cant mpact on the V ctor an landscape, ncluding:
Act ng for US-based Med cal Properties Trust on the $1 2 b ll on sale of their portfo io of 11 Austral an hosp ta s to HMC Capita ; Act ng for Mount Scopus Memor a Col ege in acqu r ng an option to purchase land at the Cau fie d Racecourse for the relocation of ts main campus; and
Act ng for Gurner on acqu r ng and deve oping the Jam Factory nto a m xed-use hub
TEAM STRUCTURE
The ABL Property and Development Team operates differently to property teams at other firms We typ cal y work n sma l teams regard ess of the s ze of the matter General y, t wi l be a junior awyer and a partner runn ng a matter by themselves ’ ve seen f rsthand the numerous benef ts of work ng n a smal er team, inc ud ng:
Junior lawyers being exposed to meaningfu work from the f rst day n the team as opposed to un or lawyers in larger firms who may f nd themselves confined to narrow tasks ike document review or research;
abl.com.au/careers
Pract c ng in property law a so means be ng attuned to broader economic condit ons and trends nterest rates housing po icies construction trends and foreign investment rules a l nfluence the vo ume and nature of property transactions Property lawyers must be able to interpret these macroeconom c actors and trans ate them into advice that helps c ients navigate market uncertainties
REAL-WORLD IMPACT
Work ng n property is unique n that t a lows lawyers to have a v sib e mpact on the wor d Un ike other lega fie ds, working n the Property and Development Team at Arnold B och Le bler leads to c ear, tangible outcomes – bui d ngs completed, and purchased, or developments approved
Sen or lawyers and partners are more access ble which leads to more direct feedback, persona ised guidance and informa mentor ng opportunities;
Being exposed to a broader variety of work which in l ne with ABL’s general st specialist approach, al ows junior lawyers to deve op expertise across a broad range of practices which not only makes the work more engag ng but al ows lawyers to d scover where their interests and strengths truly l e; and
Working and interacting with cl ents d rect y wh ch ass sts junior lawyers n developing valuab e soft ski ls such as commun cation and negot at on
Property law at ABL offers the rare chance to combine intel ectua and commerc al think ng, with v sib e, last ng results, making t a truly unique area of practice
Arnold Bloch Leibler
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
We organise our teams into practice groups and our lawyers collaborate daily across practices when advising on important transactions and disputes. From the client perspective, our services cover:
• Banking & Finance
• Capital markets;
• Competition;
• Corporate & M&A;
• Dispute resolution & litigation;
• Intellectual property;
• Native title & public interest law;
• Property & development;
• Private clients;
• Reconstruction & insolvency;
• Taxation; and
• Workplace advisory.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
45 Partners
130 Lawyers
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
When you join ABL as a graduate, you will immediately experience what sets our firm apart. ABL is renowned as the go-to firm when it matters most. We pride ourselves on delivering strategic advice and solving complex problems related to our clients’ commercial interests, legal standing, and reputations. As a result, our lawyers are exposed to challenging, high-impact work from the outset enabling them to develop their skills and realise their full potential.
Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, we focus on achieving excellence in our chosen areas of expertise. We also encourage our people to bring their whole selves to work, recognising that diversity of thought, background, and life experience enriches our culture and strengthens the tailored solutions we deliver to each of our clients.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
We do not currently offer any pre-penultimate formal programs but do employ paralegals on an ad-hoc basis.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Students can apply for our seasonal clerkships in Melbourne via our careers website (Seasonal Clerks | Arnold Bloch Leibler (abl.com.au)). Applications open on Monday 7 July and close on Sunday 10 August 2025, with interviews taking place in September 2025.
We like to keep the process simple. You will just need to upload your CV, academic transcript, and a cover letter. We run a single round of interviews, which are kept informal as we find its the best way to get to know you. After your interview, you will also have the chance to grab a coffee with one of our current graduates to get an authentic insight into life at ABL.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
To ensure you are at a level that you can really get the most out of your clerkship, we typically consider students in their penultimate year of study.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
We offer a formal clerkship program in our Melbourne office, typically offering 40-45 clerks across three intakes each year. These intakes align with university holidays -November/December, January/February, and June/July. The clerkship runs for four weeks each intake with around 12-15 clerks per intake, so you won’t get lost in the crowd and will have the chance to meaningfully contribute and connect with our people.
Candidates from NSW are encouraged to apply for a clerkship in Melbourne and will be considered for graduate positions in our Sydney office for the following year.
Alternatively, expressions of interest for Sydney roles can be submitted year-round, as we may recruit on an ad hoc basis.
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
We look for exceptional individuals who are capable of contributing something extraordinary. Strong academic performance and intellectual ability are important to us, but so are life experiences, lateral thinking, and a genuine passion for the law. Work experience and involvement in extracurricular activities demonstrate your ability to manage competing priorities and make effective use of your time.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Essentially, our clerkship program is a condensed version of our graduate experience − you’ll be immersed in our culture, be given real work, real responsibility and real contact with partners and clients in meetings, calls and court hearings. We offer legal advice and support to a diverse range of clients, however we are best known for advising entrepreneurial businesses (ASX-listed, family owned and international) and for our work with private clients. We also work with international corporations with interests in Australia and enjoy long-standing relationships with a select group of other professional advisors including accountants, private equity firms, insolvency practitioners, private bankers and overseas based specialist law firms. While you will be placed in one team for your clerkship, our teams work together fluidly, and we work closely with our colleagues in our Sydney office. You’ll also have the opportunity to try out working for other practice groups.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
We look for exceptional people who are seeking, and can provide, something extraordinary. We value good grades and intelligence, as well as life experience, lateral thinking, imagination and a passion for the law. Work experience
and extra-curricular activities show your ability to manage your time. We look for people who know how to use initiative and accept shared responsibility for their career development. The other personal qualities we consider are a willingness to learn, sense of humour and preparedness to assume responsibility. We also like to know why you’re interested in us, so please tailor your covering letter to explain why you’ve chosen to apply to ABL.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Yes
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
ln Melbourne, we initially use the “priority offer” system set out by the LlV to provide offers to candidates who have clerked with us. However, we also advertise market law graduate roles on our website which would be open to any final year student or recent law graduate to apply. ln Sydney, we hire graduates directly from the market in addition to considering those that have come through the Melbourne clerkship program and are interested in Sydney.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
Our internal structure is a little different to our competitors. Our lawyers are trained to be ‘generalist specialists’ able to straddle a range of different legal matters, as opposed to only being specialised in a narrow field. Working in a broad-based practice group this way, you’ll work across the full range of matters that the group deals with, and your development will be noticeably faster than your peers who undertake rotation programs.
This allows our lawyers to maintain a client-centric focus which is at the core of what we do. What’s the downside? Hard work and the ability to think differently. You have to cover more ground and be attuned to a larger range of issues. The feedback from our lawyers is that, while it’s more challenging, the satisfaction that comes from achieving excellent outcomes for our clients is unique. In fact, they say it's pretty incredible.
Uniquely at youAshurst
We’re recruiting for a motivated graduate. And that person is you.
At Ashurst, we know that the brightest legal minds of tomorrow thrive in challenging situations and stay true to their unique selves. We want the whole you: your potential as a legal professional, and the combination of interests, ideas, beliefs and achievements that are part of what makes you, uniquely you
By joining us, you’ll become part a global team located in 31 offices across 18 countries, working together to tackle our clients’ most complex problems.
Embrace the opportunity to grow, innovate and make a difference. Come and join us at Ashurst to be part of something extraordinary.
A day in the life of a Seasonal Clerk
Matthew Vermeulen
University of New South Wales
9.00am Check Emails and Teams Messages. The first thing I do each morning is check my emails and teams messages to see if there are any urgent updates on work from the previous day.
9.30am Coffee. After checking my emails, I will usually head up to Level 9 to get coffee and a snack with the other Summer Clerks.
10.00am Substantive Work. As a clerk within the competition team, I have had the opportunity to get involved in some really interesting matters. At the moment, I am reviewing third party submissions to the Government's Digital Platforms Inquiry and drafting summaries of key stakeholder concerns.
12.30pm Lunch on L9. I head down to the MLC centre to grab a rice bowl before heading either to the Martin Place steps or Level 9 to eat with the other clerks.
1.30pm Clerk Innovation Project. As part of our clerkship, we have been tasked with brainstorming ways to improve the Ashurst clerkship recruitment process. I meet with the other clerks in my innovation project team after lunch to delegate tasks for the new pre-interview guide we are creating.
3.00pm Clerk check-in. I hop on a teams call with the other clerks and the Early Careers team as part of a weekly check-in. During the meeting, clerks will share the work they are doing in their respective teams and the early careers team will provide important updates..
3.15pm Substantive work. I continue my ongoing business development work, which involves drafting summaries of Australian and Vietnamese competition law developments over the past quarter for a client publication.
4.00pm Team meeting. Our competition team has an APAC wide meeting where the team meets to discuss important monthly updates and plays a game.
5.30pm Clerk Social Sports. Every Monday we head to Rushcutters Bay to represent Ashurst at the clerk sports competition, comprising of soccer, touch rugby, volleyball and netball games. Playing sports together allows us to reset after a long day of work and transition into the new week smoothly.
Find out more at ashurst.com/students
Ashurst
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
Our presence in the world’s leading financial and resource centres in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and the USA gives us the scale to attract global mandates, with cuttingedge capabilities in four key areas: Corporate, Finance, Projects & Real Estate and Strategic Advisory. Depending on the office you work in, clerks and graduates will have the opportunity to choose from different practice areas within the four main capabilities. Including Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Competition and Anti-Trust, Corporate and M&A, Digital Economy, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Financial Regulation, Infrastructure, Intellectual Property, Environment & Planning, Investment Funds, Projects, Real Estate, Restructuring, Insolvency & Special Situations, Tax.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
1737 lawyers globally (640 Australian Lawyers) 482 partners globally (185 Australian Partners)
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
Our passion to be the most progressive law firm and to achieve this we offer our clients legal led consulting. Not only do we offer the best legal advice but our Risk Consulting team are able to operationalise that advice. We then use Ashurst Advance (new law) to deliver efficient, cost effective and technologically savvy solutions.
Inclusion, Diversity & Belonging are an integral part of who we are as a firm and why our culture is unique. By valuing differences and creating a safe space for colleagues to be themselves and thrive in their careers, we ensure our people experience a sense of belonging. . It allows us to offer exceptional service to our clients and create an extraordinary place for our people to work.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
Yes, we offer a Pre penultimate programme to students. Applicants can register their interest in attending and the program will also be advertised via the UNSW LSS.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes we offer clerkship programs across Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. Students apply through our careers website
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
Yes, final year law students are also welcome to apply.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
In Sydney we are looking for 30 clerks
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
There’s absolutely no Ashurst “type”. We want to actively involve a broad range of minds with a broad range of backgrounds, all united by a common set of strengths.
• Excellent academic record and a passion to develop a career in a leading global commercial law firm
• Outstanding communication skills
• Analytical ability, motivation, determination and drive
• Commercial awareness
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
The work undertaken by clerks is varied and depends on the team you are in. Tasks include case law research, drafting legal expertise updates, note-taking during meetings and contract review. There will also be opportunities to be involved in attending court, drafting advice to clients, client secondments and accompanying lawyers to a pro bono clinic.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
a. Be genuine, we are really keen to get to know you better. We want you to be able to be yourself at work and during the recruitment process
b. Take your time to research the firms and prepare a tailored cover letter that clearly articulates why you are a good fit and why you want to join that firm
c. During interviews listen carefully to the questions asked and taking your time before responding this will show thoughtfulness and you’re more likely to give a considered response
d. Have well researched questions to ask the interviewers which will demonstrate motivation and being well prepared.
e. Attend as many virtual or face to face events as possible to get a better sense of the firms and their culture
f. Participate in our free Virtual Experience Program to gain an insight into life at Ashurst.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Yes we offer graduate positions to all Sydney and Canberra clerks on successful completion of their clerkship. In Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth it is a multiple clerkship model.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
In Sydney and Canberra we offer graduate roles to our clerks. Depending on business needs and numbers of clerks who defer we may do top up graduate recruitment. Top up recruitment will be advertised on our careers website.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
After successful completion of the 12 month graduate program and being admitted you become a lawyer 1. You will then work your way up to Senior Associate, Counsel and Partner. Alternative pathways include Ashurst Advance (New Law), Risk Consulting, Client secondments and Overseas secondments. As part of Ashurst Academy, the firm provides global career transition programmes that support your development as you step up to the next career milestone.
THINK LOCAL AND GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
Since 1964, long before other global or international law firms entered Australia, Baker McKenzie has been the local law firm of choice. Our unique culture, developed over 75 years, enables our 13,000+ people to understand local markets and navigate multiple jurisdictions, working together as trusted colleagues and friends to instil confidence in our clients. We also understand the challenges of the global economy because we have been a global law firm from the start.
Baker McKenzie has been thinking globally in Australia for more than 60 years. In 2014, we opened our Brisbane office, making our Australian practice the fourth largest in our network of 74 offices in 45 countries. In Australia, we act for leading multinational and domestic companies on market-leading local and global transactions.
Think Opportunity, Think Baker McKenzie
OUR CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
At Baker McKenzie, we want our clerks to experience life as a graduate at our Firm. So, right from the start, our clerks are given the opportunity to get involved in real work and have real responsibility. From tasks like drafting court or transaction documents to conducting legal research for advices – you will have the opportunity to take on a broad range of client work in your team. You will also be exposed to our Australian and international clients through client meetings, calls and events.
Working with lawyers of all levels, you will be guided by a supervising partner and will also enjoy the extra support of an associate “buddy”.
Throughout the clerkship, you will develop practical and legal skills too – starting with our comprehensive induction program, and then continuing with our Cornerstone legal learning program and Firm-wide sessions.
In Sydney, we offer one clerkship intake, from late November to early February.
Think Excellence, Think Baker McKenzie
OUR GRADUATE PROGRAM
Opportunities are plentiful as you commence your graduate program with Baker McKenzie – starting with a comprehensive induction program to support you transition from university to work. This includes practical sessions, like drafting and legal research, as well as sessions to set you up for career success, like business development, personal brand and resilience.
Our graduates undertake three rotations, to gain experience in different areas of law, before they join a particular practice group as an associate. In each rotation, graduates have a supervising partner and associate “buddy” – to maximise on-the-job and formal learning and provide support at all levels.
We know our graduates want to work with clients on meaningful work from the start, so we support you hone your skills and develop your experience as quickly as possible by getting you involved in everyday client work in your team. With our culture of opportunity, you can expect to be dealing with local and global clients, experts and barristers and making valuable contributions to your team’s matters. Our graduates also have the opportunity to manage their own files as part of our pro bono program.
Our ethos of excellence feeds into outstanding learning opportunities throughout your graduate program. Our dedicated Leadership & Learning team facilitates sessions in five key areas for our graduates – legal learning, managing your career, the business of law, business development and client service, and people and self-leadership. Our Cornerstone legal learning program will build your legal and technical excellence – starting with our two-day legal intensive which brings graduates across our Australian offices together to learn and foster networks. We also cover the costs of your Practical Legal Training and admission.
Collectively, these ensure you receive the best foundation for your career. HOW TO APPLY
bakermckenzie.com/australia-careers
Applications for clerkships can be submitted via australiacareers. bakermckenzie.com/en/early-careers
Applications should include a cover letter, as well as details of your work experience, your extracurricular activities and interests, and your academic results.
Baker McKenzie
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
• Banking & Finance
• Financial Services
• Corporate Markets (including Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity and Capital Markets)
• Funds
• Energy & Infrastructure
• Commercial Real Estate
• Construction
• Dispute Resolution
• Employment & Compensation
• Commercial, Data, Intellectual Property, Technology & Trade
• Tax.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
70 Partners / 210 Lawyers in Australia
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
Think Global, Think Baker McKenzie!
Baker McKenzie invented the global law firm – so we’re different in the way we think, work and behave.
Our story is one of imagination, determination and hard work. We have followed clients into new markets, establishing offices driven by local lawyers and talent. And our growth has been organic, giving us a strong, common culture that runs through our Firm.
Our unique culture, developed over 75 years, enables our 13,000+ people to understand local markets and navigate multiple jurisdictions, working together as trusted colleagues and friends to instil confidence in our clients. We also understand the challenges of the global economy, with our commitment to excellence underpinning our success.
Finally, our ‘People Experience’, a key component of our strategy, is about delivering the best employee experience to enable one high-performing, global team to serve our clients.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PREPENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
We do not at this stage.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?
Applications for summer clerkships should be submitted via our website https://australiacareers.bakermckenzie. com/en/early-careers or https://au.prosple.com/graduateemployers/baker-mckenzie/jobs-internships.
For your application, you will be required to include a cover letter, as well as details of your work experience, extracurricular activities, interests and academic results. We do not require you to upload your CV, as the information from your CV is used to respond to the areas above. We also ask you to complete two short answer questions, particularly as our Firm does not use psychometric or other testing, group or individual assessments, or one-way video interviews as part of our overall assessment process.
Candidates will attend one interview with a partner and senior lawyer. In our interviews, we want to get to know all about you – your experiences, interests, achievements, strengths and abilities. We also want to know why you want to work with Baker McKenzie. To that end, our interviews are a mix of ‘getting to know you’ questions and ‘behavioural’ questions, so that our interviewers can get to know you and you can make the best possible impression. Candidates are also allocated a junior lawyer ‘buddy’, to support them throughout the recruitment process.
In addition, candidates who are successful in their first interview and make it through to the second interview, will be invited to an information and networking event attended by partners, lawyers and graduates so that you can meet as many people from our Firm as possible and our people can get to know you.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
students.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
Approximately 10 in Sydney.
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
Think Excellence, Think Baker McKenzie!
At Baker McKenzie, excellence underpins everything we do. So, we look for people who have a similar mindset – towards their work, clients, development and communities.
Specifically, we look for people who:
• Are well-rounded, motivated, have a performance mindset and strive to be the best in whatever they do
• Are intellectually curious and have sound academics
• Display business acumen and are practical in their approach
• Have a global mindset and are passionately committed to service excellence
• Enjoy a challenge and seek new opportunities
• Constantly look for ways to achieve better results while learning and growing
• Take proactive ownership and responsibility for their careers
• Act with integrity, honesty and candor in their dealings, decisions and actions
• Express themselves confidently while staying open to new ideas
• Seek a friendly, inclusive and diverse culture
• Take seriously our role in making a difference to our local and global communities.
Importantly, Baker McKenzie also looks for people who genuinely want to work with us and understand our unique offering and position in the market.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Think Opportunity, Think Baker McKenzie!
At Baker McKenzie, our seasonal clerks experience life as a junior lawyer at our Firm. Right from the start, you are given the opportunity to undertake real work and have real responsibility – just like our graduates.
The type of work our clerks get involved in includes drafting correspondence, preparing court/transaction documents, drafting advices/agreements, legal research, document review, attending client meetings, attending court/ mediations, attending meetings with barristers/witnesses, attending settlements, and preparing client alerts.
Our clerks also have the opportunity to participate in pro bono matters and community service initiatives (including Refugee Legal clinics and “Eat Up Australia” sandwich-making sessions). In addition, our clerks are able to participate in our Inclusion Diversity & Equity (BakerWomen, BakerDNA, BakerBalance&Wellbeing, BakerPride & Allies, First Nations Circle) meetings/events and various Firm social events.
Baker McKenzie
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
A few tips for the application process:
• connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn (we share application tips annually)
• attend our clerkship skills workshops or ‘Bakers’ Dozen’ series
• Research our Firm and tailor your cover letter (to learn more, attend the above events!)
• Outline your education, work experience (including customer service roles) and extra-curriculars in your application, and demonstrate skills/experiences that would help you to succeed as a clerk
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
In Sydney, we recruit our graduates through our summer clerkship program.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
We don’t have a separate recruitment program to join as a graduate, it’s through our clerkship recruitment process.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
At Baker McKenzie Sydney, our graduates undertake an 18 month program, with 3 x 6 month rotations. The rotation program is designed to offer you experience across different areas of legal practice before settling in a specific group.
Graduates typically begin their program having the title ‘Graduate at Law’, while undertaking their PLT. After finishing their PLT and being admitted, their title changes to 'Junior Associate'. Upon completing two years with the Firm, they advance to the title of 'General Associate'.
Our global development roadmap, the Development Framework, clearly explains what success looks like at each career stage at Baker McKenzie. It shapes the way we develop, manage and promote our lawyers. For you, it means always having a clear career roadmap, empowering you to plan and drive your development – formally and on the-job – at every stage.
Promotions to Senior Associate, Special Counsel and Partner are considered on an annual basis. In addition to the key performance areas of the Development Framework, the Firm is transparent in providing criteria for each level of promotion. The Firm also conducts tailored programs to support and train our staff at each level.
Ready to go further?
Find out more about our clerkship and graduate programs at bnlaw.com.au/careers
Step into a workplace where individuality is celebrated, ambitions are realised, and collaboration drives success
Welcome to Barry Nilsson. For 60 years, we’ve been shaping a better experience for our clients and our people. What sets our firm apart is not just what we do, but who we are: a team known for its collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence, inclusion, and innovation. As an award-winning national law firm, we’ve built a culture that empowers you to not only grow your career, but be your authentic self while you do it.
From your first day, expect to be embraced for who you are — because we’re a firm defined by our people. At Barry Nilsson, it’s about being you and going further.
CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
Our Sydney vacation clerkship program, held over the university break, provides you with a unique opportunity to experience our firm, our two practice areas — Insurance & Heath and Family Law, Wills & Estates — and, most importantly, our culture. Be welcomed into an inclusive and friendly team, working with supportive colleagues who are invested in your individual growth and learning. Our clerkship program is also a great stepping stone to ongoing roles, including law clerk and graduate positions.
Applications will be open from Wednesday 11 June 2025 to Sunday 13 July 2025
“I feel incredibly lucky to have participated in the BN clerkship and graduate programs as I was given the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled solicitors on a wide range of complex and interesting matters. These solicitors were always willing to guide me and their feedback helped to hone a variety of legal skills which I still use to this day.”
– Mehmet Irmak, Graduate 2024 / previous Vacation Clerk
Barry Nilsson
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
Two; Insurance and Family.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
246 lawyers and 40 principals.
WHAT
IS
UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
BN offers top-tier experience with high-caliber clients while enjoying the support and growth of a mid-tier firm.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PREPENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
No, but we are often looking to hire casual student law clerks, keep an eye out on our career's website and Linkedin for any opportunities.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?
Yes, via our careers site on our website.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
No, the clerkship program is open to penultimate year students so that their graduation aligns with our graduate program as the clerkship is a pipeline into this program.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
We expect that we will take 6-8 clerks.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THE FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
We look for candidates who are well-rounded, motivated, team-oriented, good communicators and who are eager to learn.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Anything from attending court, mediations/conferences, review medical documents, prepare briefs etc.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION THIS YEAR?
Refer to 'What are the qualities the firm looks for in clerks?'
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TO CLERKS?
Yes, Graduate positions are filled from our law clerks and vacation clerks.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A GRADUATE PROGRAM,ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTS APPLY?
Refer to above section.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
Our graduate program runs for 1 year, grads are flown to our head office in Brisbane for the first week, then return to their home state and complete the program. After this year is complete they finalise their PLT and they move into a Solicitor role. From here, they are grown and moved into other senior positions.
Imagine your tomorrow
Sometimes it's hard enough to know where you will be tomorrow, let alone in ten years. Who knows what the world will look like then.
But you know you want to be ready for it. You want to help create it.
That means building up your legal skills, industry knowledge and networks. Doing work that stretches you and shapes society. Learning more about yourself and the world. Forging connections in Australia and overseas. Making friends.
We get that. It's what we do every day.
Here's what one CU graduate lawyer learnt along the way.
Emma Covacevich Chief Executive Partner
Clayton Utz
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
Ready to imagine?
You'll find more information about early careers at Clayton Utz on our site.
Banking & Financial Services, Commercial Litigation, Competition, Corporate M&A & Capital Markets, Environment & Sustainable Development, Forensic & Technology Services, IP & Technology, Major Projects & Construction, Public Sector, Real Estate, Restructuring & Insolvency, Tax, Workplace Relations Employment & Safety, Pro Bono.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
1,500+ employees / partners
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
Not only does Clayton Utz provide legal services to governments around the country and many ASX-listed companies across all sectors, we also advise some of the world's most recognisable brands. We're particularly proud of our globally renowned Pro Bono practice. In fact, our Pro Bono practice was the first to be established among Australian law firms, and in 2018 became one of only three law firms in the world with two dedicated Pro Bono partners. We have established diversity and inclusion programs that many of our people embrace, and we are proud to be the first law firm to create the role of National Mental Health Manager to better support our people.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
Our CU Up Close Program is aimed at pre-penultimate students (i.e., 1st, 2nd, 3rd year of study in undergraduate or 1st year of Juris Doctor). It gives an opportunity for law students to get an exclusive look into life at Clayton Utz! The program runs throughout May every year and applications open in March via our website.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes, our Clerkship Program is the step before our Graduate Program and gives you a feel for what it’s like to be a Graduate and why Clayton Utz is a great place to start your career. In Sydney, we offer an 11-week Summer Clerkship, and applications will open in June via our website.
We're looking for people who are personable, practical, commercially-savvy, as well as flexible. Our teams undertake complex and innovative work, so it's important that our people are motivated individuals who aren’t afraid of a challenge.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
As a law student in your penultimate year, you'll be exposed to the fast pace of a full-service commercial law firm, and see the law in action at a firm where individuality is embraced, and innovation actively encouraged. You'll be working under the guidance of some of the sharpest legal minds in Australia, on challenging, complex and highprofile transactions and matters in two different practice groups.
DO YOU HAVE ANYADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
Your application is your first chance to showcase what you could bring to the role, so make it count! We will ask you to complete a few application questions instead of submitting a cover letter. This is a great way for us to get to know you better and understand your motivations for applying. When answering these questions, it is important to read them carefully and take time to understand what is being asked of you.
Make sure that you research our values, where we operate, key stakeholders, our client base, and any recent news about the firm. This shows us that you are well-informed and have a genuine interest in working at the firm.
Finally, include any relevant information which will help your application to stand out. This could include work experience (legal or non-legal), hobbies, volunteering experience, involvement in societies and competitions, or perhaps an international exchange program. Tell us about how these experiences have shaped your interest in law and any transferrable skills which you have gained.
Clayton Utz
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Graduate offers are primarily made to candidates from within our clerkship pool, so the best chance of securing a graduate role is particpating in our clerkship program.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO, HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes, we hire most of our Graduates from our Clerkship Programs. Occasionally, graduate program opportunities may arise, which will be listed on our website.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
Our graduates generally move from Graduate at Law to Lawyer once admitted. We also have excellent learning programs to support lawyers in their career progression beyond the graduate program.
WHERE BRIGHT MINDS MEET
THE GLOBAL GRADUATE PROGRAM
Our two-year Global Graduate Program turns gifted beginners into elite professionals. You will be afforded the breadth of experience needed to emerge as a confident business adviser.
WHY CLIFFORD CHANCE?
We are one of the largest international law firms in the world, with over 30 offices across the globe. We believe every career at Clifford Chance should be rewarding and stimulating – full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.
We work with our clients on market-shaping transactions and headline-hitting disputes. Most of our matters span international borders and involve numerous cross-practice groups – for example, our award winning investor-state arbitration team work on international mandates with overseas clients, colleagues and counsel on a daily basis.
Our one firm global strategy is focused on targeted growth led by the needs of our core clients, those who we can best support with the breadth and depth of Clifford Chance expertise, across the sectors and geographies, which matter most to them.
Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.
CLERKSHIP PROGRAM – 2025/26
Our clerkship program will provide you with a real insight into life as a lawyer at an elite global law firm. You will have two rotations in different practice areas over the course of the Clerkship Program. You will work alongside partners and fee earners on real-time matters and be given the opportunity to attend world class training conducted across the APAC region. While not guaranteed, some of our clerks have recently attended induction training in Singapore.
Who should apply?
Penultimate year students who are available to participate in the March 2027 Graduate Program.
How many clerks do we take?
Perth: 5 – 8
Sydney: 8 – 12
Clerkship dates
Perth: November – December 2025
Sydney: November 2025 – January 2026
When to apply?
Perth: 23 June – 27 July 2025
Sydney: 11 June – 13 July 2025
Scan the QR code to submit your application.
For enquiries, please email: Grads.Australia@CliffordChance.com
GRADUATE PROGRAM
Our Global Graduate Program is one-of-a-kind in Australia:
• Four rotations, each lasting six months
• Globally significant and headline-hitting work
• World-class training
• International secondment to an overseas office for six months
• No red tape, with access to colleagues and clients around the globe
• Market leading salary and benefits package
In addition to international secondment, you will have the opportunity to work across our award-winning teams in Perth and Sydney, including:
Clifford Chance
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Banking & Finance, Corporate, Antitrust
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
Approximately 170 in Australia
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
What makes Clifford Chance lawyers different? Firstly, our collaborative and adaptable culture. We work together across borders, languages and legal systems, sharing insights and expertise to achieve our clients’ commercial goals. Secondly, we’re pioneers, working on many ‘first of a kind’ deals. Finally, it’s the nature of our people. Highly professional and selfassured, with an entrepreneurial streak, they embrace our culture of learning and are more than happy to share their expertise and knowledge. Our graduate program consists of 4 x 6 month rotations, one of which can be in an international office.
DOES THEFIRMHAVEANYPRE-PENULTIMATEENGAGEMENTSCHEMES,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
We run a global virtual internship which is open to students of all levels – more details can be found at: https://careers.cliffordchance.com/apac/locations/globalvirtual-internships.html,
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERACLERKSHIPPROGRAM, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?
Yes, we run a summer clerkship program. Students can apply online via the Clifford Chance careers site: https://careers. cliffordchance.com/apac/locations/australia.html.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
Students must be at least penultimate year and able to commence in the associated graduate program (for our 2025 summer clerkship, this means eligible to commence a graduate role in March 2027).
WHAT
IS THE ANTICIPATED
CLERKSHIP
INTAKE THIS YEAR?
8 – 12 clerks in Sydney
& Dispute Resolution
How to apply?
Graduate offers are primarily made to students who successfully complete the Clerkship Program. We occasionally open direct applications to students who have not completed our Clerkship Program.
How many graduates do we take?
Perth: 5 – 6 Sydney: 7 – 10
Clifford Chance
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
Clients expect more from their lawyers than ever before. They look to us as business partners on their journey to achieve their objectives. It’s not just about precedents and compliance, but finding new ways to build relationships and deliver the results that matter. Focus on these core business skills and consider examples from your academic, professional and personal lives.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Throughout the clerkship or graduate program you will be closely supported both informally and through formal mentoring with advice and guidance from your supervisor in each of your seats, We will make sure that your energy and time are focused on activities that will best develop your legal and business skills.
You could be drafting and proofing documents, conducting due diligence on a client’s acquisition target, meeting clients, preparing documents for a court hearing or creating a data room ahead of a major transaction. Most of your time will be spent working in teams where you will make an important contribution to their success – you may even run some smaller transactions for clients.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
Avoid submitting a generic or "copy and paste" template application. This can lead to inadvertent errors (like putting the wrong firm name!) and delivers a less authentic submission. Reviewers want to know you have taken the time to consider the firm and how working there would align to your experience, skillset and goals.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Graduate offers are primarily made to candidates from within our clerkship pool, so the best chance of securing a graduate role is particpating in our clerkship program
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO, HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
As above.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
After completion of the two-year graduate program, Graduates will settle as an Associate in one of their preferred practice areas.
We bring together engaging, curious, ambitious individuals to create top performing teams.
Corrs Chambers Westgarth is Australia’s leading independent Australian law firm. We’re known for delivering legal excellence, exceptional client service and outstanding results.
Our significant work
We let our work speak for itself. We’re proud to work with some of the biggest organisations in the world on their most important matters.
Our clients include more than half of the top 50 ASX-listed companies, some of the largest privately owned companies in Australia and a number of global Fortune 500 companies.
We work with well-known organisations like Australia Post, BP, Brookfield, CBA, Coles, eBay, Fortescue Metals, Google, Hancock, Macquarie, Medibank, NAB, nbn, PayPal, QIC, Stockland, Tesla, TPG Telecom, BHP, TransGrid, Wesfarmers, Westpac and Woodside. We also work with various governments, as well as on major transactions that make the news.
Our Lawyer Development Program
The Lawyer Development Program is designed to support you in the formative stage of your career. It aims to build the capabilities and relationships that will drive career progression and underpin future successes, as rapidly as possible. Unique features of the program include:
• Mentor partner – You will be allocated a mentor partner (in most cases your supervising partner in your first rotation) who remains in this role throughout the program and potentially beyond. This will build a personal and enduring relationship that transcends everyday transactional work. You will also be supported in each rotation by a supervising partner and SA/SC who will source meaningful and challenging work.
• 12 x 6 x 6 rotation structure – The first practice group rotation is 12 months to ensure you have time to learn on the job and build strong capabilities and relationships in your first year. In the second year, when you have an increased level of experience and confidence, you will complete two six-month rotations in order to gain exposure and build relationships across different groups.
• Formal learning – The program incorporates comprehensive formal learning opportunities including our national Graduate Academy, local Graduate Orientation, practical legal training with the College of Law, practice group induction sessions and the national Legal Excellence program.
Corrs Graduate Academy
At the start of the Lawyer Development Program, we bring all our graduates together in one location for a multi-day learning experience where you can meet with your peers, learn and have fun.
Graduate Academy is specifically designed for new graduates and aims to:
• welcome you to the firm;
• help you to understand the future direction of the firm and our vision for success;
• develop the core knowledge and skills essential to being an effective graduate;
• further develop your connections with peers in person; and
• meet and learn from firm leaders.
Diversity and inclusion
Diversity in all its forms should be embraced and celebrated. This benefits our people, our clients and our communities.
Our people – at all levels – own our diversity and inclusion agenda and foster our inclusive and supportive culture.
Our diversity and inclusion program is driven by five key priorities and an intersectional approach:
1. accessibility and disability inclusion;
2. cultural diversity;
3. First Nations inclusion;
4. LGBTQ inclusion; and
5. parent and carers support.
Pro
bono
and community
Our pro bono program is designed to uphold the principles of justice, equality and community, and contribute to fulfilling the firm’s purpose to ‘Imagine, inspire and together create a better future’.
• Our people are actively encouraged and committed to supporting disadvantaged and marginalised individuals and groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations through pro bono legal work, volunteering and workplace giving, all of which form part of our dedicated pro bono and community engagement program.
• We provide support to clients, industry and academic institutions working collaboratively to explore challenging and emerging issues aiming to contribute to significant social impacts.
More than just work
We provide opportunities for professional and personal growth for both legal and business services staff.
We encourage staff to be socially active and participate in social and sporting events as well as learning and development activities. Some of our social activities include mixed netball, pilates and yoga, touch football, cricket days, Friday night drinks, family days, trivia nights, legal retreats, End of Financial Year and Christmas parties.
Corrs recognises the importance of health and wellbeing and is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace through a variety of programs and policies. Our wellbeing program provides a range of initiatives to assist people in maintaining good overall health.
Importantly, we also recognise the role a person’s manager plays in their wellbeing. We place emphasis on effective ‘everyday leadership’ and have processes in place to monitor a person’s welfare and workload.
International opportunities
We invest in international experiences that help our lawyers grow their skills, cultural understanding and relationships worldwide.
Through our long term relationships with leading law firms across the world, we advise on the most significant global matters and connect with the best lawyers internationally to provide our clients with the right team for every engagement. Our lawyers have been on international secondments to leading firms in Amsterdam, New York, London, Milan, Paris, Tokyo, Singapore and more.
Our International Study Scholarship supports the continuing professional development of exceptional legal staff. The Scholarship provides financial support for the completion of a master’s degree at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge (full time on campus).
Key dates 2025
Your journey from outstanding graduate to exceptional lawyer begins at Corrs.
Our Lawyer Development Program is designed to support you in the formative stage of your career, helping you build the capabilities and relationships that will drive career progression and underpin future successes.
Mentor partner
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
• Arbitration
• Banking and Finance
• Class Actions
• Commercial Litigation
• Competition
• Corporate
• Employment and Labour
• Energy and Natural Resources
• Environment and Planning
• Intellectual Property
• Investigations and Inquiries
• Projects
• Real Estate
• Responsible Business
• Restructuring, Insolvency and Special Situations
• Tax
• Tax Controversy
• Technology, Media & Telecommunications
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS
DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
145 partners and 600 lawyers
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
We are the only law firm in Australia that: Offers an international study scholarship that provides financial support for the completion of a masters degree at Oxford or Cambridge.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
The Corrs Virtual Internship lets you experience where a career at Corrs can take you. Our people will guide you through their experience at Corrs while providing you with the opportunity to take instructions on matters typically completed by junior lawyers. When you complete a task, you will be provided with a sample that has been completed by a Corrs lawyer.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
In our Sydney office, Corrs offers a one-three-month summer clerkship program each year. Applications for our seasonal clerkship will open on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 and students can apply via our website https://www.corrs. com.au/graduates-and-clerks/key-dates.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
Students in their final year are also eligible to apply for our seasonal clerkship program.
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
We look for individuals who can make a positive contribution to the firm and help us in delivering legal excellence and outstanding client service. In exchange for your energy and commitment we’ll provide extraordinary learning and work opportunities.
Our success is based on the success of our people. We encourage individuals to play to their strengths and we bring our diverse and talented lawyers together to create top-performing teams.
We want people who bring out the best in those around them, work well in a team and take pride in their work and achievements. We assess against a broad range of criteria, which considers business and commercial acumen, initiative, ethical behaviour, previous employment, legal excellence, a commitment to commercial law, energy and drive, involvement in community life and strong interpersonal skills.
At Corrs, you’ll enjoy the benefits of working alongside a high-performing team with a shared commitment to our culture of excellence, collaboration, commitment and respect.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Our clerkships give you the opportunity to connect with partners and lawyers across the firm, learn what a ‘day-inthe-life’ at Corrs is like and experience the type of work we do and the clients we partner with.
During your time as a clerk, you will be allocated a supervising partner, mentor and buddy, who will support you through your clerkship experience as you work alongside some of Australia’s leading lawyers on highprofile work for major Australian and international clients.
You’ll be exposed to a broad range of interesting matters and have the chance to complete tasks such as conducting research, reviewing and presenting documents, attending client meetings, court hearings, mediations and settlements, as well as shadowing partners and lawyers in client meetings and business development activities. You will also work on a pro-bono project with your clerkship cohort which you will present to the client together as a cohort.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
Be prepared and be yourself.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Our graduates are generally recruited through our seasonal clerkship program and the priority offer process.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Our graduates are generally recruited through our seasonal clerkship program and the priority offer process, but from time-to-time, we also consider applications from the open market. Any graduate offerings will be advertised via our website
https://www.corrs.com.au/careers/graduates-and-clerks
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
A graduate’s career starts on day one. In recognition of this, and to provide our graduates with a richer learning experience, our Lawyer Development Program is centered on a two year cycle with a 12 x 6 x 6 rotation structure.
In the first 12 months graduates will undertake formal learning including our National Graduate Academy, local Graduate Orientation, practical legal training with the College of Law, practice group induction sessions and our national Legal Excellence program focused on core legal knowledge and skills.
In the second year, lawyers will complete two 6-month rotations in order to build broad capabilities and relationships across different groups.
Upon completion of the Lawyer Development Program, lawyers will settle in their chosen practice group, including:
• Client and international secondments
• Sponsored post graduate study at Australian universities
• Sponsored international study scholarships
• Enhance their technical knowledge and expertise as part of our extensive in-house learning and development program
It’s time to build a different kind of legal career.
Opportunity, unlocked
Clerkship programme
Our seasonal clerkship is designed to give you insight into what sets us apart. Our programme starts with an induction which provides a comprehensive introduction to the legal sector and the firms strategy, practice groups, sectors and clients. It also builds your skills and networks. Following induction, you’ll have the opportunity to
Scan the QR code or search DLA Piper Early Careers to discover more.
experience working in a practice group and benefit from being given real responsibilities. Whether you’re attending a court hearing, contributing to a client meeting or assisting a large corporate transaction, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to reach your potential. At the completion of your clerkship you will also be eligible for consideration for a graduate role on our graduate programme.
DLA Piper
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
• Litigation & Regulatory
• Corporate
• Intellectual Property & Technology
• Finance
• Employment
• Real Estate
• Tax
• Pro Bono
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
• Lawyers nationally: 236
• Partners: 73
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
DLA Piper is a global business that’s redefining the expectations of a law firm. We operate across more than 40 countries, but we’re still locally connected. That’s because trusting, collaborative relationships with our clients and each other are at the heart of our success. We’re creating exceptional experiences, outcomes and growth for our clients and people.
We make this happen with a culture where you bring your passion and individuality to work every day. No two careers – or two people – are the same at DLA Piper. We want our people to reach their full potential as part of a diverse, global team that thrives on collaboration, seizing opportunities and commercial edge. Here, personal growth goes hand in hand with professional development to shape your individual career journey.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
Whilst we don’t offer formal pre-penultimate engagement schemes, there are many opportunities to engage with us throughout your studies. A couple of examples include:
• Virtual job simulations available on our website. This is a safe learning environment for students to build their knowledge and skills. Upon completing the job simulation, you’ll receive a certificate, and you can add the experience to your CV
• We host in house networking events in May, registrations are available on our website
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
We offer an 8-week summer Clerkship Programme. You can apply via our website.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
We currently offer clerkships to penultimate and final year students.
DLA Piper
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
8 – 10 in our Sydney office
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
We are seeking applicants that are passionate about a career in Law and becoming a future graduate solicitor. We do not expect applicants to have had prior experience in Law. When applying, we'd encourage you to think broadly about your experiences and achievements from your recent-past and ensure these are clearly articulated on your CV.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Our clerkship programme starts with a national induction. This induction provides an in-depth introduction to the legal sector and the firms practice groups. It also builds your professional skills and workplace capability. Throughout the induction there will be opportunities to hear from and network with senior members of the firm.
Once you are inducted, you’ll have the opportunity to complete work placements in our different practice groups. You’ll be given real responsibilities. Whether you’re attending a court hearing, contributing to a client meeting, or assisting a large corporate transaction, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to reach your potential.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Yes, we hire all of our graduates from our clerkship programmes.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
You must complete our clerkship programme in order to be eligible for our graduate programme. During the DLA Piper graduate programme our graduates experience three sixmonth rotations throughout our seven different practice groups, giving them breadth in their knowledge of the law as well as practical skills that will stay with them for their entire career.
By the end of the graduate programme, graduates emerge with a clearer understanding of where their talents and interests lie. The experience they’ll have gained and the networks they’ll have nurtured provide a strong foundation for their future careers at DLA Piper.
Don’t just make up the numbers. Don’t force yourself to fit a mould. Be valued for being you. Join a firm that values different voices, fresh ideas and independent thinkers.
Gadens
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
• Real Estate and Construction;
• Disputes and Investigations;
• Corporate (including Tax Advisory);
• Workplace Advisory and Disputes;
• Intellectual Property and Technology; and
• Banking and Finance.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
At Gadens we have over 100 partners and 700 staff across our offices.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
Gadens is a leading Australian law firm with offices located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. We regularly undertake highly complex transactional legal work for a wide range of clients across multiple industry sectors. Our clients include major Australian and multinational organisations – we are advisors to a significant number of the Top-200 companies listed on the ASX – as well as many small to medium-sized businesses, and high-net-worth families and individuals. Our aim is to help our clients achieve their objectives – providing an outstanding client experience for every client, every time. This is underpinned by our intense focus on understanding our clients, their needs and expectations and building meaningful, long-term relationships – a number of which span decades. Our mission is to help people achieve their purpose in a complex world. To do so, we aim to lead by example, inspire others, innovate and build something we are all proud of.
We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people. When you join Gadens, you will be working in a firm where success is determined by the character and spirit of our people. We are looking for talented people who approach their work with passion and who excel at establishing quality relationships with clients and colleagues. Your work will be interesting and challenging, and from day one, you will have plenty of responsibility. We foster a culture that is inclusive, diverse and flexible so our people can bring their true selves to work.
We are proud of our progressive and market-leading parental leave support which includes 30 weeks’ Paid Parental Leave, Superannuation contributions while on Parental Leave for up to 52 weeks (based on 5 days/week, regardless of your working days), paid leave for Surrogacy and IVF treatment, and much more. We are actively reducing our environmental footprint and are proud that 100% of our energy consumption is generated from renewable sources. Gadens is carbon neutral certified with Climate Active.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
No
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
We welcome applications from students in their penultimate or final year of the LLB or JD. You can apply for Clerkships directly through the Gadens website and will be required to upload your CV, cover letter, academic transcript and provide responses to short answer questions. You will not be required to complete any psychometric testing. We do not accept applications from international students.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
Yes, we welcome applications from students in their penultimate or final year of the LLB or JD. You can apply for Clerkships directly through the Gadens website and will be required to upload your CV, cover letter, academic transcript and provide responses to short answer questions. You will not be required to complete any psychometric testing. We do not accept applications from international students.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
10 – 12 Seasonal Clerks
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
At Gadens, we value different voices, fresh ideas, and independent thinkers. We are looking for well-rounded students who have diversity in thought and experience, understand and support our values and are genuinely interested in working with our people, clients, and community. You can stand out by being engaged, enthusiastic and curious.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Throughout the Clerks@Gadens program, we will help you grow your skills and provide comprehensive support to ensure your Clerkship is a success. Your dedicated Mentor will work with you to develop your technical skills, allocate work, and provide ongoing feedback. You will also be supported by a Buddy who will share tips and friendly advice. Some of the work you may be involved in includes:
• legal research;
• attending client meetings, court or mediations;
• drafting correspondence and advice; and
• assisting in the preparation of affidavits or court documents.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
View your CV as the straightforward summary of your qualifications. Your Cover Letter is your chance to give life to those qualifications. Share your story with us—how your background, education, and experiences have shaped your unique skillset, distinguishing you from other candidates. Don’t force yourself to fit a mould, be proud of being you!
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
We will recruit Graduates for 2027 from Clerks who have participated in our clerkship programs in 2025/2026 through priority offers in 2026. Participants in our Clerks@ Gadens program will be required to express written interest and submit an updated academic transcript to be considered for a priority offer in our Grads@Gadens
program. Our Early Careers Advisor will reach out to all seasonal clerks involved in the 2025/2026 program prior to offer day to obtain this information.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
We aim to fill all our graduate roles through Priority Offers extended to students who have participated in our Clerks@ Gadens program. However, if additional spots remain, we will open Market Offers following the priority offer day.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATELAWYERATTHEFIRM?
Grads@Gadens is the program through which we attract and retain talent within the firm. Once in our program, you will immediately receive challenging and varied work with a high level of responsibility.
Grads@Gadens is based on two, six-month rotations through different practice areas. Practice areas in the rotations include:
• Real Estate and Construction;
• Disputes and Investigations;
• Corporate (including Tax Advisory);
• Workplace Advisory and Disputes;
• Intellectual Property and Technology; and
• Banking and Finance.
Spending time in different practice areas means you have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your chosen specialisation. On-the-job training and working directly with partners will ensure you develop a broad set of skills which you can carry with you throughout your career.
Throughout the program we will invest in you and provide comprehensive support to ensure each rotation is a success. You will team-up with a dedicated Supervisor who will work closely with you to develop your technical skills, allocate work and provide ongoing feedback. You will attend training and seminars each month, led by partners and senior people, to ensure you are continually learning and developing. These sessions focus on business skills and technical development, and ensure that you are given the support you need to excel in a commercially driven environment.
Opportunity starts here
With a challenger mindset, G+T is always pushing the status quo and taking a stand on things that matter. That’s why we constantly seek new ideas, fresh energy and different perspectives from our clerks and graduates.
Work at the forefront of significant change in our society and economy, and open the door to experiences that will shape your career – wherever you want it to take you.
Nathan Fok
Having joined Gilbert + Tobin (‘G+T’) due to the genuine interest of my interviewers to develop my career as a junior lawyer and to understand my broader career development and life interests, my Summer Clerkship experience positively fulfilled my expectations. Beyond gaining incredible exposure to a diversity of legal work across my rotations in Corporate Advisory (Equity Capital Markets) and Banking + Projects (Acquisition Finance), I was able to form long-lasting friendships with clerks and people across the firm.
deeds, share certificates and transfer forms for major financing deals. Beyond my exceptionally helpful and fun support structure, I will definitely be returning for another team lunch at Zushi in the near future.
During my Corporate Advisory rotation, was fortunate to be involved in a host of exciting deals and to learn hands-on from a highly driven and supportive team. I assisted with drafting due diligence advice for a proposed acquisition, and prepared internal knowledge resources, including creating guidance documents on ASX Listing compliance updates, new climate-related reporting and international disclosure obligations. The fast-paced and sophisticated nature of the proposed acquisition offered a real-world application of my passion for corporate mergers and acquisitions and allowed me to develop key critical thinking and adaptable teamwork skills. Further, was tasked with reviewing the prospectus and notice of meeting for a one-of-a-kind transaction for a major retail pharmaceutical company, and attended a range of client meetings, including an annual general meeting and due diligence committee. The team was consistently invested in my development, and I especially enjoyed the gelato / coffee runs and pasta-making outing (despite my lack of ability).
In my Banking rotation, I thoroughly enjoyed the high level of responsibility I was afforded and the ability to acquire new skills from a very talented and welcoming team. I managed the drafting and execution of mortgage documents for a major data centre company, communicating directly with the client and external legal counsel. I greatly appreciated this opportunity to show initiative and take ownership of a significant aspect of the transaction. I was therefore able to acquire vital attention to detail, communication and organisation skills. Moreover, I drafted legal opinions and letters to clients, and conducted a range of reviews on trust
Further, the workshops led by the knowledge team and various practice groups offered a great opportunity to both learn about different practice groups and to better understand the nuances of the type of work in Corporate Advisory and Banking. G+T’s commitment to innovation was particularly apparent here as I learnt about key skills and tools to assist with my day-to-day tasks, particularly during our clerk innovation project (including our new and improved Penalties Calculator 2.0).
Socially, the clerkship was truly memorable. G+T’s inclusive and diverse culture offered countless opportunities to network and form lasting connections with lawyers across the firm. Clerk sports (G+T champions!) and dinners, cruise (minus the rain, lightning and thunder), clerk getaway, day-in-the-life video making, team lunches and coffees, Lunar New Year celebrations and Christmas parties (Watsons Bay is top tier)… Although this endless list of exciting events during my clerkship highlights G+T’s focus on cultivating a wholistic clerkship program, the relationships and memories I have formed with my clerk cohort will have lasting impacts throughout my career and beyond.
Overall, my clerkship at G+T was a highly enjoyable and rewarding experience. The skills, knowledge and relationships have formed during my rotations in Corporate Advisory and Banking will undoubtedly place me in great stead for my career. I can wholeheartedly recommend a clerkship at G+T to those who aspire to have a dynamic and fulfilling legal career.
assisted with drafting due diligence advice for a proposed acquisition… The fast-paced and sophisticated nature of the proposed acquisition offered a real-world application of my passion for corporate mergers and acquisitions and allowed me to develop key critical thinking and adaptable teamwork skills.
Nathan Fok
2024 Summer Clerk
Gilbert + Tobin
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
Banking and Finance; Competition, Consumer + Market Regulation; Corporate Advisory; Disputes and Investigations; Energy and Infrastructure; Intellectual Property; G+T Innovate; Pro Bono; Real Estate; Technology and Digital.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
Lawyers: +500 nationally
Partners: +100 nationally
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
As a young and independent firm, we’re not constrained by tradition, so we are always open to change, new ideas and different perspectives on how to deliver the best outcomes to our clients. We work within a flat structure, which means our clerks and graduates have direct access to lawyers and partners who are experts in their fields, as well as matters that will improve their skill sets and career prospects.
We offer an informal and relaxed environment, approachable partners and lawyers, diverse teams, friendly people who care about the firm and the high-performance contribution they make irrespective of their role.
G+T presents a unique opportunity for you to make a name for yourself through the matters and transactions you work on, with personal accountability yet supported by those around you.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
Students can apply for paralegal roles in their third year of legal studies onwards. Follow G+T on social media to keep up to date with future opportunities ahead of clerkship recruitment season.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
After completing an online application form, successful candidates will progress through the following selection stages: psychometric assessment; assessment centre (comprising of first round interview, group activity and an individual exercise); and second round interview.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
We accept applications from students in penultimate and final year.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
25-35 summer clerks.
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
There’s no ‘typical’ G+T clerk or graduate, or box you need to tick. Our culture is built on inclusivity and individuality, and we want you to feel like you can be yourself at work.
Our people are ambitious, creative and entrepreneurial –they bring energy and a can-do mindset and are willing to challenge assumptions. If that sounds like you, you’ll feel like you belong here.
“There is an energy and dynamism in the firm, and it comes from the entrepreneurial mindset of our people –they’re commercially curious, willing to have a go, and they want to be part of building the best corporate law firm in Australia. Those are the people who really thrive here.” –
Sam Nickless, Chief Executive Officer
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
From your first day, you’ll be given the opportunity to test your skills and interest – you can expect to be involved in some challenging matters, and your work will be presented to clients. Often, you’ll work directly with a partner on a matter, or as part of a bigger team on larger transactions. While every experience varies, you might be asked to draft documents and memos, carry out research, attend client meetings and court, and assist with preparing for hearings or negotiations.
While your most valuable learning will be the experience of working on real matters during your practice group rotations, you’ll also receive structured training – including sessions on the different practice areas, technology, how to create your personal brand, and business development. It’s a practical blend of on-the-job, workshop and online learning that covers a broad range of technical, interpersonal and leadership skills.
You’ll also have access to G+T’s regular practice group training with other lawyers, as well as online resources to help you keep up to date with the latest legal developments.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
Maintain perspective. It’s very easy to get caught up in the hysteria of clerkship recruitment, positions which are still highly coveted and therefore highly competitive. Whilst it is often the most linear pathway to a graduate position within private practice, a clerkship is certainly not the only way. A huge benefit to participating in this process, which is often overlooked by students, is the expansion of your network. Regardless of whether you obtain a clerkship offer or not, keep in touch with the people you connect with and build on those relationships; they can be invaluable in future years.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
G+T’s clerkship programs are the primary pathway for our graduate programs. All summer clerks have the opportunity to secure a graduate offer, based on performance.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
G+T offers an 18-month graduate program consisting of two rotations, commencing in February of each year. The primary pathway for graduates is currently via our seasonal clerkship programs, though occasionally we recruit graduates outside this process. Students are encouraged to register their interest throughout the year via our careers page.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATELAWYERATTHEFIRM?
Following completion of the 18-month graduate program, graduates settle into a permanent team as a junior lawyer. From there, they have access to a range of opportunities to further their career progression.
Many of our lawyers choose to undertake postgraduate study. G+T offers funding assistance and study leave for masters’ degrees and other postgraduate courses as part of our ongoing commitment to continuing education. Each year we also award a number of scholarships of up to $10,000 to support our people to study at any educational institution in the world in a subject area of their choice, which aligns with the work that they are doing, or a focus area for the firm. Past scholarship winners have studied at prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom, United States and Hong Kong, including Oxford, Harvard and LSE, amongst others.
G+T also offers secondment opportunities across our offices, in-house with clients, as well as with leading firms overseas. We support our people in seeking opportunities to work abroad, to expand their commercial skills in a global setting.
We recognise everyone’s career aspirations are different. Working alongside the brightest legal minds in the country, on groundbreaking projects and matters whilst also having the chance to make a positive impact on the community, you’ll have the opportunity to go as far as you want.
YOUR GROWTH. OUR AMBITION.
At Herbert Smith Freehills, we align your growth and ambition with ours. We invest in your personal and professional growth and support you to achieve your ambition. And you share responsibility for playing a part in delivering the firm’s growth and ambition too.
We’re excited about the future and you’ll help us build something even better than we have today. Our training is tailored and meaningful. We’ll ask you to be open to the experience and what's required. You’ll discover what sort of lawyer you want to be and become an excellent one.
As a leading international law firm we’re recognised leaders in demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private transactions From the outset, you’ll work with respected colleagues on high-quality matters and your experience will help you grow an international perspective.
We’re immersed in the many challenges facing our clients. We’re interested and resourceful. We understand the part technology plays in the delivery of legal services. We want to make a positive impact. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with this with an open mind and curiosity.
Known for our diverse perspectives and renowned for our culture, being human, bold and outstanding are more than our values: you’ll discover it’s our lived experience. And by being ambitious for your growth and ours, we’ll achieve our goals together
At Herbert Smith Freehills, we believe that exceptional graduates possess both technical excellence and a growth mindset.
We value individuals who bring their best, are curious and who constantly seek to learn and improve from every experience. These graduates embrace challenges, viewing them not as obstacles but as opportunities to stretch their capabilities and achieve outstanding results.
We're looking for people who are proactive, demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to make a real impact, fostering strong relationships with clients and colleagues across our global network.
Clerkship program
We select many of our graduates through our vacation clerkships. During this immersive experience, you’ll receive handson practical experience, as you work on some of the diverse challenges facing the team you’re collaborating with.
You will gain a deeper understanding of life at the firm and what your future could look like if you join us. Some key features include the opportunity to:
• Sit within a specific team, delivering real work for key clients
• Before you join, submit a preference for a team to tailor your experience
• Navigate the first step of your career with partner and graduate mentoring support
• Attend workshops and presentations covering all our practice areas
• Contribute to our pro bono practice
• Work with cutting edge technology through our innovation projects
• Networking opportunities to meet people across the firm
Joining us
We offer a range of summer and winter clerkships across our Australian offices. If you have queries about graduate or vacation clerk positions, please visit our website: careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/ au/grads/vacation-clerkships or contact one of our Early Careers Team.
Key Dates & Deadlines
SYDNEY
Positions 35-40
Clerkship programs 1 Summer
Applications for all 2025/26 programs
Please note: An application should only be submitted to the office where you intend to start your career as a graduate. Multiple applications will not be considered.
Contacts
James Keane Senior Manager, Early
Careers GraduatesSydney@hsf.com
COCO PERALTA | SOLICITOR
A bit about me
Before I applied for clerkships, I didn’t know the difference between “front-end law” and “back-end law”. I wasn’t sure what it really meant to be a transactional lawyer or a litigation lawyer, or which area was right for me. In my time at Herbert Smith Freehills, I’ve had the opportunity to work in both front-end and back-end teams. I’ve gained a variety of experiences, enabling me to see the full spectrum of commercial law, from complex transactions to largescale litigation, and everything in between!
Front-end law
Front-end law or “transactional law” focusses on facilitating transactions, such as investments, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and joint ventures. This typically involves conducting due diligence and negotiating transaction contracts. Some examples of front-end practice groups include Corporate, Finance and Real Estate.
I completed my first graduate rotation in Corporate (TMT) which is a practice area within the broader Corporate practice group, specialising in technology, media and telecommunications. During my rotation, I gained experience across numerous interesting legal areas, including information technology, intellectual property, data and privacy law. I worked on projects across a variety of industries, such as telecommunications, data centres, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing (to name just a few!).
Back-end law
At the other end of the spectrum, backend law focusses on dispute resolution. Litigation is often the area that we are most familiar with during university. However, back-end law also includes other forms of dispute resolution such as arbitration and mediation.
My rotation in Disputes was in the Corporate Crime & Investigations practice area. I assisted in advising clients on various matters relating to foreign bribery, whistleblowers, sanctions, modern slavery and anti-money laundering. During my rotation, I also worked on a large class action, assisting with preparing briefs to counsel, preparing evidence for Court and conducting legal research.
My advice to clerks
My advice to clerks is to keep an open mind and be willing to try different areas. As a clerk, it can be difficult to navigate the many practice groups and to know what area you might enjoy. There is a broad range of practice areas within commercial law, and our work is not always strictly front-end or back-end law. Some teams may engage in a combination of both areas, and every team offers varied opportunities.
My experience has also shown that our teams are not siloes. In both of my rotations, I’ve worked with different practice groups and people in offices across Australia and internationally. As an early career lawyer, this has been an invaluable opportunity to build my commercial knowledge and technical skills, while also expanding my professional network.
Coco Peralta
Herbert Smith Freehills
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
HSF has multiple world-renowned market-leading specialist practice groups: Dispute Resolution, Corporate, Finance, Competition, Regulation and Trade, Employment Pensions and Incentives, Projects, Energy and Infrastructure, Real Estate and Alternative Legal Services. This is combined with expertise in several global industry sectors including Technology, Banking, Consumer Products, Mining, Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
HSF is a 2,600 lawyer global firm with over 150 partners in Australia.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
In 2025, HSF was ranked as Australia’s Top Law Graduate Employer for the third year running in Prosple’s Top 100 Graduate Employers. With over 25 offices spanning Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, HSF is at the heart of the new global business landscape providing premium quality, full-service legal advice. As Australia’s leading commercial law firm, our client base includes many of the country’s top 100 listed companies alongside government organisations, major multinationals, and large local corporations, who have trusted us to deliver their most ambitious and complex projects.
The firm’s values of Human, Bold and Outstanding guide our ways of working with a focus on collaboration and high performance. At HSF, you’ll be valued for what makes you different and accepted for who you are. Inclusivity is key to our success and our people help shape our culture to be reflective of the societies in which we live and work through internal diversity networks such as our Ability, Gender Equality and Multiculturalism networks. We recognise the power of diversity and inclusion to drive innovation, collaboration and business outcomes. So, whether it’s working on the latest advancements in digital law, taking part in some of the biggest mergers and acquisitions around, or helping people through our extensive pro bono work – you’ll develop the skills to solve the most complex challenges in thoughtful and innovative ways.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
HSF offers pre-penultimate workshops for students in their first, second or third year of law. These are a great chance to gain an insight into life at a leading commercial law firm and meet our lawyers. Students apply online and the workshops typically take place in October-November at our offices. We also offer a virtual internship to develop practical legal skills and knowledge which can be completed via our website at any time, at a pace that suits you.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
HSF offers summer and winter clerkship programs across our Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth offices. Online applications open in June-July with candidates submitting their academic transcripts, CV, cover letter and answering some short form questions about their interest in the firm and commercial law more generally. The recruitment process consists of two rounds of interview which run throughout August. You’ll have the opportunity to attend networking events and be assigned a buddy to guide you through the application process. Offers are made in September-October.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
Yes, our clerkships are also open to students in their final year, however, penultimate year is preferred.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
We anticipate hiring approximately 150-170 clerks this year with 35-40 specifically in Sydney.
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
We look for:
• Intellectual curiosity demonstrated through strong and consistent academic results
• Commercial awareness and a passion for pursuing a career in commercial law
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Life experiences outside of work and academics, e.g. extra-curricular activities and interests
• Confidence and ambition to grow personally and professionally
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Clerks can expect to receive hands-on practical experience, working on a diverse range of challenging yet rewarding tasks such as legal research, organizing evidence, drafting transaction documents or advice, due diligence, liaising with other lawyers and teams, pitches, witness statements, and attending court, client and counsel meetings.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
Start your application early to give yourself time for multiple reviews and drafts. Be clear on your motivation to join the firm and passion for commercial law. Do your research and reference core business areas or key clients, e.g. check out the firm’s website for recent deals, projects, trends etc. Tailor your application to what you want to talk about in the interview and highlight the value you could bring to the firm. Ultimately, no one expects you to know everything, we are looking for genuine interest and potential. Focus on what you can control, be yourself and let your personality shine!
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Yes, there is a graduate offer available to all clerks subject to performance during the clerkship.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
We do offer a graduate program, however, most of the positions are filled via our clerkship. We rarely go to market direct for graduate roles, unless we are topping up recruitment.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
Graduates complete an 18-month program when they join comprising of 3 x 6-month rotations to give them a variety of experience across different practice groups including both litigious and transactional teams. Upon completion of the program, graduates will permanently place in a team that they would like to settle in and grow their career, enabling them to focus their development in an area that matters to them.
Hall & Wilcox
Graduate program
Enjoy a one year structured program with extensive on-the-job training and suppor t in completing Practical Legal Training.
Elevate Program provides regular learning oppor tunities designed to develop graduates by providing skills and exper tise to excel.
A comprehensive national induction program which lays the foundation for the year ahead.
Multiple rotations gives you the oppor tunity to gain experience in several of the firm s practice areas.
Life at Hall & Wilcox offers a range of benefits and initiatives to suppor t the holistic well-being all of our people
A strong suppor t network including a buddy, mentor and supervising par tner to provide guidance throughout the year
Oppor tunities to par ticipate in pro bono and Smar ter Law initiatives.
HW Evolve is a hybrid workplace where our people are encouraged and empowered to work flexibly both remotely and in the office.
Future Skills Program
Find out more about this program by searching Graduate Program at hallandwilcox.com.au
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
Banking & Financial Services
Corporate & Commercial
Dispute Resolution
Employment
Insurance (General and Statutory)
Private Clients
Pro Bono and Community
Property & Projects
Public Sector
Tax
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
460+ lawyers
140+ partners
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
Students can register their interest in our paralegal opportunities via our website.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes, visit the Hall & Wilcox Early Careers page on our website for more information. Students can also apply via our Prosple page and through LinkedIn.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
Hall & Wilcox is a unique employer for several reasons.
• We are renowned for our special and unique culture that is underpinned by our Hallmarks. Our leadership is transparent and authentic, and we strike a balance between the demands of a busy legal practice and delivering excellent client service with a focus on development, wellbeing and fun.
• We are a leading independent Australian law firm. We act for large institutional and corporate clients, including financial services institutions, ASX Top 100 corporates, large private companies and multinational conglomerates.
• We have a strong learning culture and support our people in their development.
• We are a firm of the future. Our Smarter Law mantra means that we challenge the status quo to create real value for our clients, our people and our communities.
• We offer competitive remuneration based on the markets in which we work and recognise moments that matter in our peoples’ lives.
• We offer extensive and generous benefits, policies and programs to support all of our people both in and outside the workplace.
Hall & Wilcox
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
Typically, no. We do not accept clerkship applications from first year students. However, we review clerkship applications from final year students on a case-by-case basis.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
Approximately 15 positions
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
We do not look for a particular ‘type’ of clerk or graduate. Instead, we want to get to know the real you. We want to understand why you would like to work at Hall & Wilcox.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
You will be provided with exposure to real work on real files – this may include drafting correspondence and documents, attending client meetings, conferences and mediations, and undertaking research tasks. You will also participate in practice group training sessions, workshops and development sessions.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
We want your application to be genuine and authentic. Avoid writing a generic application - we are looking for candidates that have a genuine interest in Hall & Wilcox! We recommend you proofread again and again.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Yes. Our clerkship program is a pathway to receiving a graduate position at Hall & Wilcox.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO, HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
We recruit most of our graduates through our seasonal clerkship program and our paralegal pathway program. If required, we will open market applications.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
We see today’s law graduates as tomorrow’s leaders of the firm. We invest in your professional development so that you can become the legal professional you aspire to be.
YOUR GLOBAL SUCCESS
Who are we?
YOUR GLOBAL SUCCESS
What does HFW look for?
HFW is an international lawfirm with a strong global presence and a reputationfor providing an excellent service to an impressivelist of domestic and international clients. Withover 600 lawyers working across the Americas, Europe,the Middle East, Asia and Australia, we take a progressive approach to our role in commercial business – thinking creatively and pragmatically to support ourclients. With our head office in London, HFW provides a global and seamless service 24 hours a day.
We leaders in our specialist sectors, being Shipping, Construction, Commodities, Corporate & Commercial, Insurance & Reinsurance andAerospace.
Our clerkship program
Our clerkship program will introduce students to all of our sector groups, providing an opportunity to understand what different areasdo, and meet our professionals across all areas. During the clerkship, you will be assigned a mentorand buddy in one of our major sector teams, predominantly Insurance/ Reinsurance and Construction, where you will experience working on real matters, both domestic and international. You will also have a key contact in other groups to facilitate exposure to the work of that group.
Ourgraduate program
HFW looks for people who have a global mindset and an interest in international matters, with a particular affinity for our specific sectors and focus, and interested in disputes matters. We look for people who are afraid of a challenge, and are eager to learn the skills that will berequired to shine in their careers. Our ideal applicant is down-to-earth, well rounded, with good attention to detail and a teamoriented mindset. We also lookfor people who are open to and will chase opportunities, and have the intellectual rigour to work on complex matters.
Ourculture
HFW is a collaborative, team oriented environment. We are inclusive and haveadiverse variety of team members enabling different ideas and approaches to thrive. Our entrepreneurial culture means that you can see ideas implemented quickly and we are nimble in response to client and market requirements. This is a workplace where we expect respect and open communication and get it every day.
How to apply
Graduates will participate in a 12-month rotational program. This will include three placements, two of which will be in your local office, with the option of a third in either another Australian office dependent on availability.
Applications for clerkships can be submitted via
Applications should include a current CV, a copy of your academic transcript, and a cover letter addressing why you would like to work with HFW, what you can bring to the team, and something that will help us get to know you, such as your extracurricular activities and interests.
Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW)
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
HFW practices in several key areas of law, including Corporate & Commercial, Construction, Commodities, Shipping, and Employment. These practice groups reflect the firm’s commitment to providing specialized legal services across diverse sectors, ensuring that clients receive tailored and effective solutions to their legal challenges.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
The firm boasts a substantial presence with over 600 lawyers spread across 20 offices worldwide. This extensive network allows HFW to operate seamlessly across borders, offering clients access to deep industry expertise and a global perspective. The collaborative and team-oriented approach of HFW ensures that clients benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of the firm.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
What sets HFW apart from other law firms is its truly global nature and sector-focused model. The firm concentrates on six core industries: Shipping, Construction, Commodities, Insurance & Reinsurance, Aerospace, and Corporate & Commercial.
This specialization enables HFW to deliver pragmatic solutions that address the specific challenges faced by clients in these industries. Additionally, HFW’s culture is unique, fostering an environment free of egos where mutual respect and teamwork are prioritised. The firm’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset further distinguish it, as HFW consistently seeks creative and practical solutions to complex legal and commercial issues.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED/DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
HFW does not have any pre-penultimate engagement schemes directly. However, the firm offers clerkship and paralegal opportunities for students. Students can apply through the firm’s job board or by connecting with HR representatives like Melissa Howard on LinkedIn.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes, the firm offers a clerkship program. Students can apply through the firm’s job board or by connecting with HR representatives.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTSOUTSIDETHEIRPENULTIMATE YEAR?
The clerkship program is primarily designed for penultimateyear students, but applications from students in other stages of their studies may be considered in certain circumstances.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
For the 2025 clerkship intake, HFW anticipates offering three positions.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THE FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
HFW looks for certain qualities in clerks, including a global perspective and interest in international matters. The firm values authenticity, well-roundedness, self-motivation, and strong attention to detail, coupled with a collaborative and team-oriented mindset. Intellectual rigor and a proactive approach to learning and challenges are also highly regarded.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
During their time at the firm, clerks can expect to undertake meaningful and challenging tasks that provide a genuine insight into the legal profession. Responsibilities may include preparing memoranda of advice, conducting document discovery, reviewing pleadings, and preparing chronologies and indexes. Clerks are encouraged to engage with case materials and participate in office events, such as morning teas, to connect with colleagues and immerse themselves in the firm’s culture.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
To make a good impression, students should tailor their applications to the specific firm by researching its values, practice areas, and notable cases. Addressing applications correctly, proofreading for errors, and highlighting relevant experiences are crucial steps in the application process.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TO CLERKS?
The firm offers graduate positions to clerks, with the review process taking place at the end of the clerkship program. Clerks are considered for graduate roles based on their performance and expressed interest during the program.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A GRADUATE PROGRAM, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?
HFW offers a graduate program, with students able to apply through the Clerkship Program or the Paralegal Pathway. Graduate offers are extended to three candidates after the clerkship program.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATELAWYERATTHEFIRM?
The progression path for a graduate lawyer at HFW typically begins with a one-year graduate program. During this year, graduates undergo rotations in different practice areas within the firm’s Australian offices, gaining valuable experience and exposure to various legal disciplines. This foundational year is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their legal careers.
After completing the graduate program, lawyers at HFW typically advance to the role of Associate. As Associates, they continue to develop their expertise by working on complex cases and collaborating with experienced lawyers across the firm’s global network. HFW places a strong emphasis on professional development, offering opportunities for international secondments and cross-border collaboration. These experiences not only broaden professional horizons but also provide invaluable exposure to diverse legal practices and cultures, enriching both personal and career development
A Day in the Life of a Graduate at HFW
WHY DIDYOUCHOOSETOWORKATTHISFIRM?
At the time, I was a penultimate year law student seeking a full-time position that would not only support my financial needs but also provide valuable paralegal experience. I joined the firm as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal in the Construction team.
The team was exceptionally supportive, fostering a balance between study, work, and personal life. This support enabled me to complete my law degree, Practical Legal Training, and get admitted within seven months while working full-time. I am fortunate and grateful to have been offered the Law Graduate position following my admission.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU?
A Law Graduate’s role encompasses more than just taskbased responsibilities. It involves gaining a comprehensive understanding of the entire matter at hand. Currently, I am rotating in the Insurance Team, where I am working on a high-profile case that has gained significant media attention.
Additionally, I assist the Energy Team with various ad hoc tasks. Both teams hold regular meetings to ensure effective communication and collaboration among team members. My work includes conducting thorough research on legal issues and new legislation, as well as analysing and reviewing documents to support ongoing cases.
WHAT SUBJECTS/SKILLS FROM LAW SCHOOL HAVE BEEN MOST USEFUL FOR YOU IN THIS ROLE?
Statutory interpretation and research skills are exceptionally valuable yet often overlooked by students. Many research tasks demand a swift turnaround, making it crucial to develop these skills.
Mastering research techniques and becoming proficient in statutory interpretation can significantly enhance the quality of research papers and shorten the time spent. These skills not only contribute to delivering well-founded legal analyses but also ensure that the work meets high standards within tight deadlines.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR EXPERIENCE?
In the Construction team, I encountered an unusual case involving transnational disputes over Intellectual Property claims. Leveraging my background as an interpreter/ translator, I was able to fully engage in the matter. This included interviewing clients from culturally diverse backgrounds with ease and assisting the team in drafting affidavits and gathering essential evidence. My linguistic skills and cultural competence proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of the case and ensuring effective communication and thorough documentation.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR INTERESTED APPLICANTS?
HFW is a global firm offering many opportunities across a wide range of sectors. Having worked at various firms, I have found HFW to be exceptionally supportive and encouraging in nurturing young lawyers.
The partners are generous in sharing their knowledge and expertise, fostering a collaborative and educational environment. Many teams at HFW hold brown bag meetings, where we exchange insights and knowledge across different areas of law, promoting continuous learning and professional development.
HOW DOES THE FIRM ENCOURAGE EXTRACIRRICULAR ACTIVITIES/WORK-LIFE BALANCE?
HFW actively promotes a healthy work-life balance through various initiatives. The firm organises regular sports events, including soccer and netball tournaments, fostering teamwork among employees. Each office has a dedicated social committee responsible for arranging regular afterwork social events, providing opportunities for colleagues to connect and unwind. Additionally, most teams have designated work-from-home days, allowing employees to balance their professional responsibilities with personal life.
HWL Ebsworth Lawyers
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
Property, Construction & Infrastructure.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
At HWLE we have 1600+ staff and 270+ partners.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
From a client perspective, HWLE’s point of difference is the inherent trust we develop with clients - which is built upon our understanding of their unique business needs and a relationship driven approach. This, coupled with highly competitive pricing, makes us one of Australia’s pre-eminent commercial firms. For our graduates and staff, there are 4 key aspects:
Career Progression: with the lowest ratio of solicitors to partners of any Australian law firm, you’ll have clear career progression pathways and the opportunity to take on more responsibility, sooner.
Work-Life Balance: enjoy one of the lowest billable targets in the industry, as well as the expectation to only work local hours as we are a national firm.
Real and Complex Work: from day one, you’ll work on real, challenging, and high-profile matters, gaining exposure to blue-chip clients whilst collaborating with a high-performing team.
Pro Bono work: every graduate needs to complete a 30day secondment with a pro bono secondment partner.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED/DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
We engage with pre-penultimate year students through our collaborations with student societies and university faculty
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes we do!
1. Application - personal details and short answer questions. Apply on our website and submit CV, academic transcript and ID.
2. Application screening
3. Open event - group activity and networking
4. Interview - one behavioural interview
5. Offer
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTSOUTSIDETHEIRPENULTIMATE YEAR?
No, only penultimate year students are eligible for the clerkship program.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
Approximately 30-35 positions.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THE FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
We like to see that students have had a range of experiences where they can demonstrate great skills like emotional intelligence, resilience, initiative, teamwork, communication, motivation and organisation. This will generally look like having work experience and being involved in extra-curricular activities.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
You will be assigned a supervising partner and mentor who will guide you through your day-to-day work, which may include attending external and/or client meetings, drafting a piece of advice and/or agreement, assisting with due diligence, attending settlements, research tasks and attending Court. You will also join into national workshops, social activities and other training opportunities.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
From a stage one screening perspective each of the short answer questions are looking for key skills like teamwork, motivation, communication etc. so do take your time to properly answer those. I’d also try and be specific about peeling out what is interesting about HWLE rather than just the standard ‘it’s a large firm with good clients’.
That’s what gets you in the door. From there the open evening and interviews are really all about your personality and how well you gel with us, as well as verbal communication/ presentation. People want to see how you can fit into their team from a culture perspective and feel comfortable with you being in front of a client. It really is about being authentically you and letting that come through!
DOES THE
FIRM OFFER
GRADUATE POSITIONS TO CLERKS?
If you receive an offer from us for the clerkship program, it’s because we see potential in you. We believe in investing in our clerks from the beginning. Based on your time with us, if we feel like you’re a good fit for us we will generally offer a graduate position for the following year.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A GRADUATE PROGRAM, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?
Yes we do! Many of the roles are filled through our clerkship program, but we do open for market applications. This generally opens in late February of your final year of study, as set by the NSW Law Society. The application process is the same as our one for clerks.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATELAWYERATTHEFIRM?
You start by undertaking our Graduate Program for 12 months while completing PLT. Once admitted, you become a solicitor. From there, we have a meritocratic approach that rewards high performance.
A great place to work. jws.com.au
A great place to work
At JWS, you will take on market-leading work in a down-to-earth environment.
We are a leading Australian law firm known for advising corporates and funds on their most complex transactions, disputes and regulatory matters. Our clients say we are pragmatic, strategic, commercial and easy to work with.
Accelerate your career
As a graduate, you will work with leading lawyers on high-profile and complex legal matters, gaining practical experience across a broad range of practice areas and industry sectors.
Our committed partners are genuinely interested in developing your skills and supporting your career. Our graduates receive close partner and senior lawyer mentoring and guidance, and benefit from our structured graduate training program.
Award Winning
TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA AND TELECOM
M&A LEGAL ADVISER OF THE YEAR
Mergermarket M&A Awards Australia 2023
ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Best Lawyers 2023
BEST LAW FIRM
Beaton Client Choice Awards 2024
HIGHLY RANKED IN LEGAL DIRECTORIES
Chambers & Partners and Legal 500
Johnson Winter Slattery
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
• Corporate (Private Equity, M&A, Public Markets) & Finance,
• Competition,
• Technology, Digital & IP,
• Foreign Direct Investment,
• Dispute Resolution,
• Energy & Resources,
• Restructuring,
• Tax,
• Employment, Industrial Relations & Safety,
• Property.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
Our firm is comprised of more than 450 highly talented people, including 80+ partners, across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth. We are globally connected and have strong relationships with major independent law firms around the world.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
Johnson Winter Slattery (JWS) provides exceptional service and strategic solutions. We are a leading Australian law firm known for advising corporates and funds on their most complex transactions and disputes. At JWS, we build authentic, long-term relationships and have a deep understanding of our clients and their industries. Our clients say we are pragmatic, strategic, commercial and easy to work with.
JWS was recently recognised as Technology, Media and Telecom M&A Legal Adviser of the Year by Mergermarket, Energy Law Firm of the Year by Best Lawyers and Best Australian Law Firm* in the Beaton Client Choice Awards 2025. Our lawyers are highly ranked in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Lexology Index.
We are engaged in cross-border work through our close connections with major independent law firms around the world, including in Asia, the US, UK and Europe. We are strongly committed to social justice, responsible business and our diverse communities.
We are proud of our pro bono program which focuses on supporting low income, disadvantaged and marginalised people in the Australian community.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes, at JWS, we offer a seasonal clerkship program for penultimate-year students pursuing a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree. Applications can be submitted through our firm’s website in accordance with the timelines set by the relevant state law society. Candidates are required to submit an online application, including a resume, cover letter, and academic transcript. Additionally, we engage with students through university career fairs and clerkship information sessions, offering valuable insights into the program and application process.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
For the 2025–26 program, we plan to hire between 16 and 18 seasonal clerks in our Sydney office.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THE FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
At JWS, we look for ambitious, adaptable, and commercially-minded law students who are eager to learn and contribute. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team oriented environment, are essential.
We value individuals who take initiative, proactively seek opportunities, and make meaningful contributions. While academic achievement is important, we also appreciate diverse experiences, including legal or non-legal work experience, leadership roles in university societies, sports, volunteering, or retail/hospitality, as well as extracurricular involvement that demonstrates initiative and teamwork.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
At JWS, our clerkship program offers a comprehensive experience that combines mentoring, hands-on learning, and real-world exposure to various partners, practice groups, and clients.
Clerks gain valuable skills across different legal disciplines, developing a well-rounded understanding of the profession. The program also provides an opportunity to explore various practice areas, helping clerks identify their interests and make informed career decisions.
Through meaningful interactions with partners, senior associates, and peers, clerks build a strong professional network within the firm.
With structured training, mentorship, and ongoing feedback, we support their continuous professional growth and development.
Clerks at JWS engage in a diverse range of legal tasks, including
• Draft contracts, memos, and legal briefs
• Conduct legal research, including case law analysis and legislative review.
• Assist with case analysis to support legal strategies.
• Participate in client meetings and correspondence.
• Review documents and assist with the discovery process.
• Observe court proceedings and meetings.
• Provide administrative support, including filing and document organization.
• Contribute to projects by preparing reports and summaries.
• Assist with due diligence in transactional matters.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TO CLERKS?
We typically recruit our graduates from our clerkship program, as it allows us to develop talent internally and ensure a strong fit with the firm. However, if we find that we are unable to meet our graduate hiring needs through this process, we may look to the open market to fill any remaining positions.
DOES THE FIRM ASSIST GRADUATES TO COMPLETE THEIR PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING (PLT)?
Law Graduates at JWS complete their Practical Legal Training (PLT) through the College of Law, with JWS covering the full cost of the program. They undertake an accelerated
PLT program, beginning with a two-week intensive training session at the College of Law, followed by in-house coursework at JWS.
This fast-tracked approach enables our graduates to complete their PLT within four months of commencement, typically allowing for admission by August.
For more than 130 years, Jones Day has nurtured and sustained a culture of client service and professionalism rooted in core priorities shared across the Firm, including pro bono initiatives, encouraging diversity in the profession, supporting community outreach efforts, and promoting the rule of law around the world.
Jones Day seeks professionals focused on delivering the best service possible to our clients, alongside colleagues whom they value and respect. Our people take great pride in their work, they lack pretension, and they show respect and consideration to everyone in the Firm.
Summer Clerkship Opportunities
WHY JONES DAY?
Accelerated Career Development. An emphasis on collaboration and the opportunity to work with clients in every major business center in the world make Jones Day a compelling opportunity for Australia’s most talented legal professionals to grow their careers.
A Commitment to Australia. A presence in Australia since establishing the Sydney Office in 1998, Jones Day is a premier global law firm with a sustained and demonstrated commitment to clients based in, or conducting business in, Australia, the Asia Pacific region, and beyond.
Cross-Border Opportunities. Jones Day lawyers at all stages of their careers serve on teams representing 40 offices and 24 practices on client matters relating to every type of legal matter potentially affecting the modern multinational corporation.
Pro Bono at Jones Day. Jones Day professionals at every career level, and from every practice and every office, contribute to the Firm’s culture and tradition of pro bono. The long-term commitment to pro bono has never wavered, whether leveraging our global resources in the fight against human trafficking, combating hate crimes, or building out and participating in local legal aid efforts in the communities we call home.
A Summer Clerk Reflects
Why Jones Day?
Accelerated Career Development. An emphasis on collaboration, a commitment to continuous training and development, and the opportunity to work with clients in every major business center in the world, make Jones Day a compelling opportunity for Australia’s most talented legal professionals to learn, achieve, and grow their careers.
A Commitment to Australia. A presence in Australia since establishing the Sydney Office in 1998, and with offices added in Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne, Jones Day is a premier global law firm with a sustained and demonstrated commitment to clients based in, or conducting business in, Australia, the Asia Pacific region, and beyond.
Cross-Border Opportunities. Jones Day lawyers at all stages of their careers serve on teams representing 40 offices and 24 practices on client matters in litigation, M&A and private equity, intellectual property, compliance, tax, cybersecurity, health care, and virtually every other type of legal matter potentially affecting the modern multinational corporation.
Over the course of the eight-week program, I worked on a wide range of matters with colleagues from all corners of the world. Thanks to the unique, non-rotational structure of the program, I was able to gain experience across a range of practices. Some highlights of my clerkship included attending hearings in the Federal Court of Australia, sitting in on client meetings, and putting my language skills to the test in a multijurisdictional research task. I also appreciated how everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and development as a young professional.
Sophie Sievert-Kloster, Summer Clerk, Sydney 2022/2023 and future Graduate, Sydney
Diversity at Jones Day. Jones Day has a long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse group of lawyers is important to Firm culture and in meeting the needs of clients in a diverse world. The Firm aggressively pursues the hiring, development, and retention of lawyers from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
SUMMER CLERKSHIP PROGRAMS
Summer clerkship programs in Jones Day’s Australia offices offer positions to selected students enrolled in their penultimate year of university study.
SYDNEY
Applications open Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 9.00 am
Applications close Sunday, 13 July 2025 at 11.59 pm
MELBOURNE
Applications open Monday, 7 July 2025 at 9.00 am
Applications close Sunday, 10 August 2025 at 11.59 pm
Apply at www.jonesday.com/en/careers/opportunities
A Summer Clerk REFLECTION
Reflecting on my time at Jones Day so far, my journey from summer clerk to paralegal and now law graduate has been both rewarding and seamless. From my first day as a summer clerk back in December 2022, I was welcomed into a supportive and collaborative environment, where I was given fantastic opportunities to develop my skills and learn what it means to be a commercial lawyer. Thanks to the unique, non-rotational structure of the clerkship program, I was able to gain invaluable experience across a wide range of practice areas, which provided me with a deeper understanding of the Firm’s diverse capabilities and allowed me to develop a well-rounded skill set early on in my career.
Over the course of the eight-week clerkship program, I was given the chance to assist on complex and high-profile matters under the guidance of associates and partners who were always generous with their time and insights. Some particular highlights from my clerkship included attending hearings in the Federal Court of Australia, sitting in on client calls, and working closely with some of our U.S. offices on a multijurisdictional family dispute involving complex corporate governance and trusts issues. Developing close friendships with the other clerks in my cohort and associates of the Firm has also been a huge privilege, which makes coming into work each day so much more rewarding and enjoyable.
Stepping into my graduate role last year, I felt confident and wellprepared, in large part thanks to the excellent support and training I received as a summer clerk and paralegal. Looking back on these experiences, I will always be grateful that I decided to begin my legal career in such a collegiate and stimulating environment.
A Day In The Life
Keshav Karupiah Associate, Jones Day Sydney
6:00 AM After an intense evening of preparation, it’s an early start to the second day of a two-day High Court hearing. The Commonwealth is bringing test case litigation against our client, a multinational pharmaceutical company. The hearing is being held in the Court’s Melbourne registry, and the Sydney members of the Jones Day team are staying in a hotel close to the Jones Day Melbourne Office.
6:45 AM I have breakfast at the hotel buffet with another Sydney grad to fuel up for the long day ahead.
7:30 AM We head to the Melbourne Office to collect materials for the hearing.
8:30 AM We make our way to counsel’s chambers to pick up their court materials. Once we have everything, we take a taxi to the Commonwealth Law Courts Building, where we’ll be spending the day.
10:00 AM The hearing starts promptly. Today, the focus is on our client’s submissions on the Notice of Appeal and Notice of Contention. Yesterday, the Commonwealth presented its oral arguments. It’s exciting to see the litigation strategy we’ve been developing come to life in front of the bench. Listening to some of Australia’s leading barristers present and address arguments I’ve contributed to, and hearing my research being referenced in real time, is a unique experience.
Throughout the day, the other grad and are in and out of the courtroom, providing logistical support for counsel and the Jones Day team. Whether it’s ensuring the barristers and senior lawyers are properly caffeinated, gathering materials, or simply making sure everyone has what they need, we’re keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.
11:15 AM We adjourn for a scheduled morning tea break. The pace of the hearing is fast, but it’s a great chance to step back and reassess for a few minutes.
12:45 PM The lunch break is a brief window to debrief and reset before the afternoon session. The conversation is centered around the case, the questions posed by the bench and any additional points to address in our arguments.
2:15 PM The majority of the afternoon session is dedicated to the continuation of our oral submissions on the Notice of Appeal and Notice of Contention. As I sit in the back of the courtroom, I’m fully absorbed in the hearing.
4:15 PM The hearing wraps up with final reply submissions from both sides. We head back to the Melbourne Office to return court materials. There’s a sense of accomplishment after such a full two days.
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM With the hearing behind us, the Jones Day team heads out for a celebratory dinner with counsel. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on an intense but rewarding couple of days. We discuss the highlights of the hearing, share experiences from the courtroom, and unwind over a couple of glasses of wine. It’s nice to have a chance to connect with the lawyers and counsel on a more personal level. Everyone feels good about the work we’ve put in, and it’s a fitting end to what’s been an exciting, highstakes experience.
Sophie Sievert-Kloster
Jones Day
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
Corporate & M&A, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Competition & Antitrust, Financial Services & Funds, Environmental & Government Regulation and Restructuring & Insolvency.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
• Approx 175 employees nationally
• 33 Partners nationally
• 4 offices - Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne
• Growth strategy to continue to expand over the next 3 years
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
Our NLG program is non rotational we offer an exciting opportunity to forge your own path in a dynamic and supportive environment. With the flexibility of the program, you can tailor your experience to suit your interests—whether you already have a clear direction or are still exploring what practice you see yourself settling in.
From day one, you’ll be working directly with partners and associates on important and engaging work, gaining hands-on experience that contributes to real outcomes. The program allows you to work across various practice groups, giving you a deeper understanding of the firm’s diverse capabilities while helping you build a broader internal network. You’ll also have the chance to participate in all firm activities and events, regardless of the practice group you’re in, ensuring you have a well-rounded experience.
Our training program not only provides a broad insight into the firm’s operations but also focuses on developing specific skills to support your career growth. You’ll gain exposure across all practice groups and can pursue opportunities in your preferred area of interest. Plus, with our non- rotational program, you’ll have the unique opportunity to see a matter from start to finish, with the flexibility to transition between practice areas for a diverse range of experiences.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED/DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
No
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes, We select candidates to attend our Information Evening where they can learn more about Jones Day, see our offices and meet our partners and associates in Melbourne. There are then two rounds of interviews. Jones Day does not do psychometric testing.
Summer Clerks: Students should apply via our website - https://www.jonesday.com/en/careers/locations/australia?tab=clerkships
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTSOUTSIDETHEIRPENULTIMATE YEAR?
Final Year students can also apply.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
There is no specific target number of summer clerks for the Sydney office.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THE FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
We look for a record of academic excellence, superior written and analytical abilities, strong interpersonal skills, and interest in our Firm.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TO CLERKS?
Yes, It is our aim to hire all of the summer clerks that join us, however we will of course consider performance and firm fit during the time that our summer clerks work with us. We have historically always made offers to the Summer Clerks who join the Sydney office.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A GRADUATE PROGRAM, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?
Yes, Graduate applications should be made via our website, keep an eye out on the Jones Day Careers page for available position posts. Then, two rounds of interviews, a written assessment and often a lunch, dinner or drinks with Partners or Associates.
What helped you prepare for interviews?
I prepared by l st ng the qualities I wanted in a firm and questions about the clerkship I rev ewed my appl cation to confidently discuss my experiences. Speak ng with the cohort above especially my KWM buddy gave valuable insights into the interview process These steps helped me approach interviews w th clar ty, conf dence, and a strong sense of direction
What was the application and interview process like?
The app ication let me showcase my interests beyond the law, commercial ty, and resilience. My first round interview felt like a conversation focused on my experiences and nterests rather than my bad equity mark or the latest HCA case My second round included a coffee catch-up, a wa k through the botanical gardens, time with partners, and an office tour, making the process engag ng and reflective of KWM s cu ture.
Why did you choose KWM for your clerkship?
By the end of the process, I a ready fe t part of the firm Meaningful conversat ons with people across practice areas gave me a rea sense of KWM’s culture. The r openness and enthusiasm stood out also spoke w th someone outside of the process from the cohort above and her pos t ve exper ence reinforced my decision to clerk at KWM.
What type of work did you complete during your clerkship?
My clerkship work was var ed In M&A I he ped prepare board resolutions, unit reg sters, promissory notes and agreements like termination deeds and share purchase agreements I researched surv val provisions and differential dividends In Tax, I conducted research into insurance duty, transfer duty, and GST, drafted letters reviewed agreements, and contributed to a large matter by drafting structure diagrams and Exce spreadsheets
How would you describe the KWM culture based on your clerkship experience?
The culture at KWM s support ve and collaborative From day one, I felt we comed by my team and encouraged to ask quest ons Partners and awyers were approachable and genuinely invested in my learning There was a strong emphasis on teamwork, mentorship and professional development, balanced with a fun and social environment The firm fosters a culture where clerks are va ued and g ven mean ngful opportunities to contr bute
What support did you receive as a clerk?
I was ass gned a buddy a deve opment coach and a partner in each rotat on. My M&A partner and I had regular coffee catchups where he exp ained the fundamenta s, answered my quest ons, and addressed any quest ons I had. n Tax, I was regular y asked what type of work I wanted to try, ensur ng I gained exposure to areas that interested me wh le feel ng supported n my learning and development
What type of training did you receive? What opportunities for learning and development were offered at KWM?
We began with three days of intensive tra ning, fol owed by ongoing sess ons throughout the clerksh p Regular practice area catch-ups and team coffees prov ded opportun ties to d scuss quest ons share learnings, and receive additional train ng I also had the chance to watch an internat onal tax CLE These exper ences ensured continuous growth, practical skil development, and strong support
What are you most proud of throughout your clerkship?
Trans t oning to a new firm was cha lenging, but I’m proud of how I embraced every opportun ty. I’m especia ly proud of my work n M&A and tax areas I had no prior experience in It was exciting to contr bute mean ngfully Beyond the work, I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve made, which wi l cont nue as progress in my career at KWM
Do you have any advice to give prospective clerks?
Focus on being your authent c self. Ignore rumours about what KWM is looking for there s no s ngle “perfect” candidate Showcase your best se f and don t compare yourself to others. Conf dence, enthusiasm, and a genuine interest in the work wi l always stand out more than trying to be who you think the f rm wants
Why did you choose KWM?
Having previously worked in bank ng at univers ty and enjoyed it I wanted to translate my sk lls into a career that combined both my interests in aw and finance chose KWM for its reputation as a market leader n these areas, as wel as its people and co leg ate culture The f rm’s globa reach high-prof le c ients, and abil ty to offer both transact onal and l t gation exper ence made it the ideal place to bu ld a wel -rounded ega career
What type of work did you complete during each rotation of your graduate program?
In Leveraged F nance, I worked on debt financings, draft ng faci ity and security agreements for borrowers and lenders In Corporate & F nancial Litigation, I assisted w th discovery egal research and trial preparation for class act ons Currently in Private Equity M&A, I’ve been handling acqu sition due dil gence, draft ng purchase/sale agreements, and manag ng deal processes gain ng a strong m x of transactional and itigation experience
What support did you receive as a graduate?
A l graduates receive strong support through structured tra ning mentoring, and hands-on learning You are paired w th a Development Coach and Buddy each rotat on who provide regular check-ins and the t ght-knit graduate cohort s great to lean on The P&D Team organ se relaxed fortn ght y catch-ups w th graduates across all practice groups and are always approachable and support ve
Rotation 1 – Banking & Finance (Leveraged Finance)
Rotation 2 – Dispute Reso ution (Corporate & Financial Litigation)
Rotation 3 - Mergers & Acquis tions (Private Equity)
University of New South Wales
Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Law
What skills do you consider important to succeed in your role as a graduate? Is this different to your initial expectations?
As a graduate, you are constantly learn ng and engaging with different teams, making communicat on adaptabil ty and time management essential Whi e you are not expected to be a egal expert be ng proact ve and showing an nterest n the work and cl ents s key I in t a ly thought legal know edge was most important, but I qu ck y real sed that teamwork and commerc al awareness are just as necessary
What is the culture like at KWM?
From my very f rst interview, I immediately fe t that KWM had a vibrant, d verse and col aborative culture People genuinely care about your personal and professional deve opment and are always approachable. There s a great balance of hard work and fun with plenty of social sporting and cultural events for everyone.
What training did you receive on the graduate program? What opportunities for learning and development have you been offered at KWM?
The training at KWM is comprehens ve, cover ng ega sk lls commercial know edge and technology/AI Graduates receive induction tra ning in the r first rotation and ongo ng group tra ning ta lored to their practice areas throughout the 18-month program Th s may include sessions from contract drafting to learning the stages of a dea cycle The firm encourages mentorship and hands-on learn ng, faci itat ng sign ficant professiona growth from day one.
Who would you recommend KWM to?
If you have enjoyed private law-related sub ects at uni and demonstrate a strong commercial m ndset, I high y recommend applying for the summer c erkship Many students assume that legal exper ence is essent a , but I had none prior to oining KWM The best way to f nd out if this career is for you is to try it for yourself
What piece of advice would you give to someone considering a graduate role at KWM?
Take any opportun ty that comes your way, as you never know where t can lead you The quality and breadth of training provided in the graduate program equ ps you with the necessary ski ls to succeed at KWM and beyond Leveraging such transferab e skil s, you can shape your future career into whatever you make of it –many KWM alumni have gone on to be CEOs, consultants, judges and more
What are you most proud of throughout your graduate program to date?
Looking back, I m most proud of how much I’ve earned and grown n each rotation Com ng n without paralegal or egal experience, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but my finance and corporate background provided a strong foundat on t s been rewarding to contr bute to h gh-profi e matters and build valuab e skil s for my future career
INSIDE KWM’S REAL ESTATE, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT & PLANNING TEAM S
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
KWM lawyers Naren, Kyra and Annie share insights and experience on what it’s like to work in KWM’s RECE team.
WHAT IS RECE?
The RECE Practice Group at King & Wood Mallesons covers a broad range of teams from real estate, energy and resources, infrastructure, construction and environment, planning and Native Title. At a high level, we deal with the ‘tangible things’ – the sale or acquisition of a building in the CBD, the construction of public transport infrastructure, the development, financing and trading of energy assets, and the establishment of a new wind or solar farm in one of the new Renewable Energy Zones.
Our practice group provides end to end support across the entire transaction and development life cycle. This includes project structuring, approvals, planning and environment, development arrangements, construction, procurement and operational arrangements, financing, risk management and project implementation, together with acquisitions, divestments and investments.
WHY WE THINK RECE / OUR TEAMS ARE ATTRACTIVE
The Environment and Planning (E&P) team has a very diverse workload, ranging from advisory, transactional and litigious. This makes every day different, keeps you on your toes and keeps things interesting! Why?
• The environment and planning legal framework is always changing and evolving. There is constantly new legislation, regulations, guidelines and case law being published that we must be across to advise our clients and internal KWM teams.
• Environment and planning issues cover all sectors, so we get to work with a lot of different teams in the RECE Practice Group such as the Energy and Real Estate teams, other KWM teams such as Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Banking & Finance and Dispute Resolution, as well as our own clients (eg property developers and managers).
The work of the Real Estate (RE) team is similarly broad. When you think of real estate, you might think of the conveyancing and leasing you come across in your personal life, but the work we do in the RE practice at KWM encompasses so much more than that!
Not only does our team advise on ‘traditional’ real estate workstreams such as acquisitions and divestments of established assets and due diligence, we also take the lead on large-scale capital and debt transactions involving real
property. This ranges from setting up joint ventures between investors, helping developers acquire and build a site through property financing, and providing complex titling and corporate/trust structuring advice.
The RE team also deals with a wide range of property types. Think residential apartments, commercial office towers, industrial warehouses, metro stations, university campuses and solar farms – and more!
In the RE team, lawyers can build competency in many areas of law in addition to property law, and often work on multi-million dollar projects involving assets across the country that you can see, touch and sometimes even use yourself.
A rotation in the Energy team offers unparalleled exposure to a sector that is undergoing rapid transformation, marked by significant growth in renewable energy, technological innovations, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Energy is a vital pillar of the global economy and plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change and advancing sustainability. The work we undertake in the Energy team is profoundly impactful, directly influencing both society and the environment.
The Energy team is involved in a solid mix of transactional and regulatory work, providing a comprehensive view of this dynamic industry. As a junior, you will have the opportunity to engage in the full lifecycle of M&A deals and project financing transactions within the energy sector. On the regulatory front, juniors will have the chance to draft complex legal advice on energy regulation, often involving issues of competition law! Working in the Energy team will offer countless opportunities to develop transactional and regulatory expertise within a field that is constantly evolving.
GETTING INVOLVED AS A JUNIOR / DAY TO DAY RESPONSIBILITY
There is always hands-on work that our Summer Clerks, Law Clerks and Graduates can get involved with.
The juniors in the E&P, RE and Energy teams often assist with:
• Preparing first drafts of correspondence, transaction documents, land dealings, Court documents and briefs to barristers
• Preparing draft advice on complex energy regulatory issues
• Conducting and coordinating due diligence on various energy projects
• Attending deal strategy meetings with clients to discuss approach on a particular transaction
• Attending meetings with clients, experts / technical advisors and barristers (as applicable) to discuss strategy
• Legal research that feeds into complex advices, for a client alert on a recent legislative change or for an internal team presentation to lift our collective knowledge base!
• Conducting due diligence on property and environment and planning issues as part of a broader transaction, and assisting in managing client documents and data rooms
• Assisting senior lawyers with the signing and completion of a live transaction for various energy and infrastructure assets
ADVICE TO ANYONE ‘NOT’ CONSIDERING A RECE ROTATION
You should choose an E&P rotation if you want to get exposure to lots of different deals, clients and legal issues. There are very few teams across the firm that do a combination of advisory, transactional and litigious work, so it is an amazing opportunity that would be hard to pass up! As a junior, it is really valuable gaining skills and training from all three areas.
A RE rotation offers a rare opportunity to become exposed to multiple areas of law, including property, construction, planning, equity and trusts, tax, corporations, and foreign acquisitions and takeovers law, as well as develop your skills in legal drafting, transaction management and problem solving. There will be many opportunities to work on live deals and contribute to the development of projects that shape the Australian skyline
Embarking on a rotation within the RECE practice group offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in both transactional and regulatory work across a diverse array of complex and technical sectors. This rotation promises countless opportunities to tackle intricate legal questions and navigate challenging contractual issues in specialised areas, enhancing your professional growth and broadening your skill set.
King & Wood Mallesons
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
• Banking & Finance
• Dispute Resolution
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Projects & Real Estate
• Taxation
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
KWM has over 2,000 lawyers across 30 global locations.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
KWM connects Asia to the world and the world to Asia; it is our key differentiator. With all the benefits of a world-class law firm and unique Asia perspective, we act as a bridge between East and West and help our clients cut through the cultural, regulatory and technical complexities of getting deals done in new markets.
Our People Value Proposition (PVP), “Learn, Master, Lead” is what makes KWM a special place to work and build a career. A place where you will nurture your skills through continual learning and development opportunities and where you will collaborate with exceptional colleagues and clients in the pursuit of legal mastery. Our PVP is about having a mindset of curiosity and an appetite for continuous learning; a commitment to excellence and mastering your craft. KWM is a firm where together we Learn, together we Master, together we Lead.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED/DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
Through our Insight Program, pre-penultimate year law students will gain an understanding of how KWM is structured, the areas of law we practice in, and the clients we work with. They will also gain exclusive insights into the clerkship recruitment process. Applications will open in October 2025.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Applications will be open from 11 June – 13 July 2025. Our Early Careers webpage will have a link to the application portal when they open.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTSOUTSIDETHEIRPENULTIMATE YEAR?
We accept clerkship applications from penultimate and final year law students.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
Approximately 40-50 clerks positions.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THE FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
We value a range of skills and experiences in our employees and recognise that a diversity of strengths leads to best results.
• Intellectual curiosity - we want deep thinkers who seek out information and diverse views to reach a practical and efficient solution to business problems.
• Client centricity – we work in our clients’ worlds and partner with them to achieve their business goals. We need people who can stand in the shoes of the client and experience things from their perspective.
• Learning agility – we need people who demonstrate personal flexibility and an openness to dealing with change.
• Growth mindset – we look for people who seek out learning opportunities and embrace challenges.
• Teamwork - we operate as one firm working together and supporting each other across cultures. We want people who build relationships and empathise with others.
DO YOU HIRE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FOR CLERKSHIPS AND/OR GRADUATE ROLES?
KWM accepts and welcomes clerkship applications from international students in their penultimate or final year of their Australian law degree. It is the responsibility of the clerk/graduate to ensure they obtain the correct visa to enable unrestricted working rights to work in Australia.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
Don’t discount any of your experiences, and let your authentic self show during the recruitment process.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TO CLERKS?
We do not typically recruit directly for the graduate program. The majority of our graduates come from our seasonal clerkships.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A GRADUATE PROGRAM, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?
The main pathway into our graduate program is by completing a seasonal clerkship.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATELAWYERATTHEFIRM?
KWM graduates undertake a full time PLT intensive program before commencing their graduate induction and training. Our graduate program includes three 6-month rotations through different practice areas, with team specific training throughout. At the end of the 18 months, grads will settle in one of their rotation teams.
DO WHAT MATTERS.
We are a modern Australian law firm with a leading reputation. At Maddocks, we focus on exceptional service, operational excellence and being at the forefront of employee experience. We work closely with Australian and international businesses, organisations and governments. We offer a great place to Do What Matters to you.
By joining our clerkship program at Maddocks, you gain first-hand experience working on interesting, often high profile matters, for a range of clients. The program begins with a comprehensive orientation and offers the first step in a rewarding legal career where you will be supported in your ongoing career development.
Find out more about what it’s like to work at Maddocks.
Maddocks
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
• Real Estate
• Disputes Resolution and Litigation
• Commercial Corporate
• Commercial Health Technology Media Telecommunications
• Public Law
• Construction
• Employment Safety People
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND
PARTNERS
DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
91 Partners and 570 staff
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
Maddocks is a modern Australian law firm whose mission is to make a difference for clients, the communities in which we operate and each other. Maddocks’ clients include all tiers of Government, almost half of the ASX top 100, a range of multi-national investors doing business in Australia and high profile Equity investors.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes, a link will be available on our website to apply : https://www.maddocks.com.au/careers/clerkshipsgraduate-program
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
We generally take 10-14 clerks to join our program.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THE FIRM LOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
At Maddocks we are looking for genuine and authentic individuals who want a tailored program to grow and support their careers. We are interested in people who are excited about our firm, share our values and are looking for hands on experience.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Clerks can expect to take on and support a wide variety of tasks during the clerkship. You may support with document review, drafting, sitting in on client meetings and calls, attending court, document preparation and more! We have an exciting clerkship program filled with hands on training sessions, activities and team bonding.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
Try to be authentic and limit your use of AI. We do read your cover letters and CV and want to learn about your unique experiences and why you are interested in applying or working for our firm. Highlight what matters to you. Be yourself!
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TO CLERKS?
Yes
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A GRADUATE PROGRAM, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?
We often do not have additional opportunities available.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATELAWYERATTHEFIRM?
When we hire our Clerks, we anticipate that they will continue their careers with us as Graduates and then First year lawyers. We have a clear internal process to support this growth.
Early careers at MinterEllison
Our clerks and graduates tell us that three key things make the MinterEllison experience:
1. Experiencing high profile matters in a top-tier firm
2. Our unique culture
3. Our future-focused learning and development
Learn by working on real challenges
Right from the start you’ll work on real client engagements, preparing you for any challenge. Discover new areas of practice, and learn the technical knowledge and tools you need to achieve your career ambitions.
What makes MinterEllison Uniquely ME?
1. Collaborate with the best: work with the best minds in the business
Embark on a career filled with diverse clients, engaging transactions, and cases, plus the ability to work alongside our outstanding teams.
2. Embody excellence: great roles in great matters
We deliver excellence in everything we do – both for our clients and how we work together every day. We embrace continuous improvement and innovation to ensure we maintain our market-leading position.
3. Ignite your curiosity: dive into a culture of innovation
We do things differently – we bring together brilliant minds across legal and consulting. We’re industry leaders in AI and digital technology.
Charlotte Trent, Lawyer, Sydney shares her career journey, hints and tips.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your time so far at MinterEllison. My time at MinterEllison started as a summer clerk at the end of 2021 in the Sydney office. I then worked as a paralegal during my final year at university and started the graduate program at the beginning of 2023. I have been incredibly lucky to meet some amazing people throughout the years at Minters, including some of my closest friends and people who I look up to in the legal profession.
You’ve recently done a clerkship with us, how was that process and any advice for future clerks?
The clerkship process can be at times daunting and scary, but it is really a time to just be who you are and make no apologies for it. Something that found out early on was that all the people I met at Minters wanted to talk more about who was outside of having studied law and been to university, and it was really the focal point of every conversation. My advice is to definitely take every opportunity you can, be it to come up and talk to a partner at a networking event or reaching out for coffees or virtual catch-ups. The only way you will really get a feel for a place is by getting to know the people who actually work there!
What rotations have you done?
Corporate Risk (ICR), with a particular focus on Medical Negligence. I then went on to paralegal in another part of our ICR team, this time focussing on Government clients. So far in the graduate program, I’ve rotated through Real Estate and back into Transaction Solutions. I’ve really loved getting to try lots of different areas of the firm, from disputes and court work to contracts based teams. You really never know what you will absolutely love, or realise is not your cup of tea, but that is the beauty of the rotations, you get to try a lot of different areas of law!
How much exposure have you had with international transactions / matters?
I’ve been really lucky to dive head first into my rotations, particularly while working in our Transaction Solutions team. Everyone is incredibly busy at the end of the year as clients try to wrap up deals, and I was fortunate to help out with matters that involved parties in the United States, wider North America and Europe! It was definitely an interesting experience, and juggling multiple timezones was a bit tricky to start but it was great to see how everyone worked together across the 24 hours of a day to bring the deal to a close before the end of the year.
What has been your proudest /most memorable moment so far?
Outside of your role here at MinterEllison what do you do to unwind?
My outside of work life usually begins with a gym class in the morning, because I am definitely not an afterwork sort of exercise person. It’s great because a lot of my friends go to the same gym class which is in Martin Place, so we treat it like a little catch up every time we see each other. I also really like being crafty, but I’m in no way a creative person so I like to do things that come with instructions. My weekends can go one of two ways and either be starting a DIY project that I’ll finish in a half a day, or crocheting a set of dinosaurs which 6 months later I can safely say I have put in the pile of things to finish later.
An award winning start to your career
4. Achieve your ambitions: develop the skills for tomorrow
Feed your passion for personal and professional achievement by working on truly significant matters with high calibre clients. Our learning programs will help you build the skills you need to be the trusted advisor of tomorrow.
5. Belong and be valued: dive into a culture of innovation
We want our people to be able to bring their whole selves to work and and feel empowered to perform at their best.
Before we started clerking, I was asked to help our Workplace team on a matter that needed some assistance for a couple of months, which was a great first exposure to Minters. During the clerkship, I rotated through Transaction Solutions and Insurance and
There have definitely been a few proud moments, but I would say that seeing my work in the AFR or SMH is something really exciting! You think back to all of the hours you put into a transaction, and also how much learning you have gone through in that process. To finally see what it looks like at the end and that it has made a small impact in the world is really rewarding and definitely something that makes me smile about my work experiences so far.
MinterEllison
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
• Banking and Finance
• Financial Services & Funds
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Competition & Regulatory
• Dispute Resolution
• Insurance & Corporate Risk
• Technology, Digital & Data
• Environment & Planning
• Projects, Infrastructure & Construction
• Real Estate
• Tax
• Workplace
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
Total Employees: 2500+
Partners: 260+
Legal: 1500+
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
MinterEllison is one of Australia’s largest law firms, with nearly 200 years of business history. We’re known for our legal and consulting expertise – and for our inclusive culture and authentic character.
We’ve changed to keep up with our client’s expectations. Today we offer legal and consulting services under one roof. Clients rely on our expertise and insights to solve their most complex business challenges. They value our responsive, commercial approach.
We are curious by nature, diverse in our disciplines and authentic in our relationships.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
Discover ME:
Our Discover ME program is designed to provide pre-penultimate law students an opportunity to discover what it is like to work at MinterEllison. During the program you will be invited to attend three sessions at our offices in Sydney, where you will learn more about our practice groups, the way we work and our people, through attending panel events and participating in workshops.
You will also be connected with one of our graduates or junior lawyers, who has recently made the transition from law school to law firm, with the goal to foster your professional development.
Applications typically open in March each year.
Meet ME:
Meet ME is a two-part webinar series which is highly relevant to pre-penultimate and penultimate year students, but open to law students at any stage of their studies, across Australia.
Dial in to hear insights and career tips from our lawyers and early careers team, which will allow you to set yourself up for success in your future career in law, as well as learning more about life at MinterEllison.
Meet ME typically takes place in May each year.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?
MinterEllison offers a Summer Clerkship Program in Sydney. Application dates are set by the Law Society of NSW each year. Our online application form will ask you to submit your resume and your most recent academic results. Apply online at graduates.minterellison.com.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE
YEAR?
Our Clerkship Program is most suited to students in their penultimate or final year of their law degree.
WHAT
IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
20–25 (Sydney).
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
At MinterEllison, we are not looking for people to fit a mould. Academics are just one piece of the puzzle and we recognise the strength that diversity can bring to a team. Work experience, extra-curricular activities, sporting participation, music and travel are all important criteria to us. We want you to bring your whole self to work - individual strengths and diversity are what build our teams up to be the successes they are.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Our clerkship program offers meaningful work experience, structured by a comprehensive orientation program and learning on the job to build both technical skills and commercial know how.
During our program you will:
• work closely with partners and lawyers on active matters to meet deadlines
• produce quality and meaningful work
• participate in tangible learning & development activities and
• attend social and networking events
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
Tailor your application to MinterEllison. Start preparing your application early to ensure you can submit it on time and proofread your application before you submit it!
Be yourself! We want you to bring your whole self to work. We are interested in learning more about you; showcase your skills, experiences and achievements.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
The prospects of obtaining a graduate role at MinterEllison after completing a successful clerkship with us are very high. The majority of our Graduates come through our Clerkship Program.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
We offer a Graduate Program which generally consists of three, six-month rotations in different practice areas of law. We most often recruit our graduates from the clerkship program, but from time to time we do go to market for graduate roles. If you are looking specifically for a graduate role, please keep an eye on our website.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
After the Graduate Program, you’ll settle into a practice group. Once admitted as a Lawyer, and after you’ve completed the Graduate Program, career progression opportunities can include Associate, Senior Associate, Special Counsel and Partner.
• Consumer markets
• Energy, infrastructure and resources
• Financial institutions
• Government
• Life sciences and healthcare
• Technology
• Transport
Our Practice Areas
• Antitrust and competition
• Banking and finance
• Commonwealth Government
• Corporate, M&A and securities
• Employment and labour
• Environment and planning
• Intellectual property
• Litigation and disputes
• Projects and construction
• Pro Bono
• Real estate
• Restructuring
• Risk advisory
• Tax
Key Clients
• AIG
• AngloGold Ashanti,
• BMW
• BNP Paribas
• Bombardier
• BP
• Citi
• Deutsche Bank
• GlaxoSmithKline
• HSBC
• Johnson Controls
• McLaren Technology Group
• Petronas
• Rio Tinto Group
• Rockwell Collins
• Royal Bank of Canada
• SolarCity
• Standard Chartered Bank
About us
We provide the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We have more than 3,000 lawyers and other legal staff across Australia, Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. And in amongst that global network, you’ll find some of the finest minds in the legal sector – all ready to aid your development.
Within Australia, we have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Canberra.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We value difference and appreciate the variety of perspectives that this brings to our business. We know that if our people are able to be themselves at work, they are more engaged and productive.
We aim to create an inclusive culture where every individual can bring their whole self to work and have a sense of belonging. We base our approach to diversity, equity and inclusion on five key pillars:
Progress with purpose
Your career is a timeline of accomplishments. Big steps and little steps that mark how you’ve grown. First days. First deals. First mistake – and how you learned from it.
So here’s your next big step – a first introduction to your future. We’re Norton Rose Fulbright; pre-eminent legal advisors to businesses and financial corporations across the world. And we might just be the right law firm to help you progress with purpose.
We are proud of the recognition we receive for our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in Australia.
Norton Rose Fulbright
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
• Antitrust and competition
• Banking and finance
• Commonwealth Government
• Corporate, M&A and securities
• Employment and labour
• Environment and planning
• Intellectual property
• Litigation and disputes
• Projects and construction
• Pro Bono
• Real estate
• Restructuring
• Risk advisory
• Tax
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
In Australia, 1,000+. Globally 7,000+
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
Norton Rose Fulbright is a truly global law firm, providing a full business law service to household-name businesses and financial institutions. We have more than 3000 lawyers and legal staff, based in 50+ cities across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. And in amongst that global network, you’ll find some of the finest minds in the legal sector – all ready to aid your development.
Working in a global law firm means global opportunities – and that means getting the experience of working in our global offices. After completing your first year of the graduate program, you will have the opportunity to apply for a six month secondment at one of our overseas offices.
We are committed to our graduates building connections with their peers overseas, build upon their legal knowledge in a different jurisdiction and experience life on the other side of the world so that when they return, they can play a pivotal role in our global connectivity and contribute to our success as a truly global law firm.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
We encourage law students to join us as a Paralegal - whilst you may be early in your university career, it’s never too early to plan ahead. As a Paralegal and you’ll make your first progress towards a career to be proud of.
Paralegal opportunities become available throughout the year dependent on business needs. If you are interested in working as a paralegal, please submit your application via our “expressions of interest paralegal role” on the career page.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
We recruit in line with the NSW law society guidelines. Students need to apply online through our website Your application will need to include a one page cover letter, CV and your most up to date academic transcript. We only accept online applications.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS
TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
Yes, our Summer Clerkship program is available to final year students.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
20
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
We look for candidates with strong commercial awareness, a global outlook, open mindedness and long term motivation for a career in the law. Most importantly, we look for candidates who are curious, authentic and keen to give everything a go!
Strong academic results are important, but rest assured this is not the only criteria we assess our candidates against. Norton Rose Fulbright seeks well-rounded candidates who have strengths beyond academia including work experience and extracurricular interests.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Our clerkship program offers a real taste of life as a Graduate, including: attending clients meetings and teleconferences, visits to court, research, preparation of court documents, drafting deeds/contracts, discovery and much more!
There will also be additional activities for you to take advantage of including:
• Key skills training with our Learning and Development team;
• Q&A sessions with our leaders;
• Presentations about practice areas and deals; and
• Networking and social events.
Wherever you look, you’ll be throwing yourself into new things, all with the support of your supervisor, mentor, buddy and other team members.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Yes, our clerkship program is the pathway into our Graduate program.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
Authenticity is key. We pride ourselves on being a firm that values the individual contributions of every single employee and embrace the diversity of thoughts, background and experiences when working together. Keep that in mind when you meet with us - we want to get to know the real you and what you’re passionate about outside of the law.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM,
ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY? Via our clerkship program.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
• At Norton Rose Fulbright we offer an 18 month program consisting of 3 x 6 month rotations. We encourage you to complete both a contentious and a transactional rotation.
• You will complete your Practical Legal Training during the first few months and receive continuous training throughout the program. You will be admitted to practice within your first 6 months.
• Once you are a Lawyer, you can apply for an international rotation in one of our global offices.
• At the end of the 18 month program, you will be permanently placed in a team of preference as an Associate.
Be a part of our story
Sparke Helmore’s Graduate Program
Our Graduate Program is a rewarding way to kick-start your legal career and is designed to guide you through the experience of what the law is really like, providing you with comprehensive training and mentoring as well as networking opportunities.
At Sparke Helmore, you’ll be actively involved as part of a diverse, genuine and friendly team. We’ll welcome you into our vibrant culture where you’ll work collaboratively to deliver results within a truly national firm.
We’ll help you harness your ambition and take your skills to new heights with exposure to outstanding clients—who are always at the heart of everything we do—and interesting work. You’ll have easy access to exceptional leaders and mentors who are practical experts in their fields.
We’ll also invest in your career, development and potential through specialised soft skills training, equipping you with the tools and knowledge to become a capable practitioner and strong all-rounder. You will also have access to our mentoring program, which pairs you with a senior lawyer to give you a broader understanding of the firm and all our areas of law.
We’ll express our appreciation for your contribution in many ways including through structured and informal feedback, team celebrations, competitive remuneration, recognition and incentive programs, and acknowledgement of birthdays and anniversaries.
We offer a suite of great benefits including wellbeing, health and wealth activities, diversity equity and inclusion networks, social activities and pro bono and community opportunities. To help you succeed and achieve the balance you want in your life, flexible working is part of ‘business as usual’.
We’re united by our shared values. They shape the way we behave, help us work together effectively and make sure we put our clients first, without forgetting our people.
Hear from Antonio, one of our recent graduates, about a day in his life.
6:00am | I wake up to the familiar chime of my iPhone alarm, ready to start the day.
8:30am | I arrive at the office around 8:30am every morning and come in five days a week, as believe this the best way to learn and grow. Being in the office consistently, helps me build relationships and trust with my colleagues and provides me with a clear separation between work and personal life.
9:00am | I begin working on a pre-mediation advice that needs to be completed by the end of the week. As I navigate the liability section of the advice, I make sure to seek help on specific points that I am unsure about, as this is one of the best ways to learn.
11:30am | Throughout the morning, I remain flexible and prepared to shift my focus to any urgent that may come up. I notice an email has come in from a senior team member, requesting that I urgently draft subpoenas to produce to a list of treating medical practitioners involved in a personal injury matter.
1:00pm | For my lunch break, I head down to the café on the ground floor of the office building. I enjoy a caffeine hit along with the lunch I brought from home.
2:00pm | I tackle a medical and financial chronology. I really enjoy drafting chronologies, because they allow me to critically think about the essential details of the particular matter and convey the relevant information in a concise and easy to understand way. I extract key facts regarding the Plaintiff’s medical history from their treatment records and expert medical evidence. I also review the Plaintiff’s individual tax returns and notices of assessment to determine their taxable income and calculate their net weekly earnings.
5:00pm | As the work day comes to an end, I take a moment to review the tasks I’ve completed and finish up anything outstanding. I also take the time to prepare my to-do list for the following day.
Your story is yours to define. We’d like to be part of it and for you to be part of ours. After all, the best stories are shared.
If you want
know more, why not take a moment
Sparke Helmore Lawyers
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
Commercial Insurance, Corporate & Commercial, Government, Statutory Lines Insurance, Property Environment & Finance, and Workplace.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
Partners = 106 Other Lawyers (not including Partners) = 376 – as of February 2025
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
• Great people - authentic, practical people who make strong relationships
• Right size - sufficient scale and coverage but small enough for an inclusive friendly culture
• Technology with purpose - capability in technology for productivity growth
• Investors - partners who are prepared to invest in the future
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
We offer paralegal positions to law students at any stage of their studies, regardless of their experience or legal background. Instead of traditional clerkships, we have chosen this approach because it provides students with a more in-depth, hands-on experience that goes beyond what clerkships typically offer.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Yes, our graduate application process is open to all law students nearing graduation, regardless of whether they have previously worked with Sparke Helmore. Both external and internal applicants are encouraged to apply.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Applying directly through our website, our graduate positions are open to all law students nearing graduation regardless of whether they have previously worked with Sparke Helmore. Both external and internal applicants are encouraged to apply.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATELAWYERATTHEFIRM?
All of our graduate positions are permanent, full-time roles. Once you receive your practicing certificate, your title will change to Lawyer. Progression within the firm is transparent and performance-based, with annual performance reviews based on both performance and firm values alignment.
Achieve your potential
Join a major Australian law firm
Starting your legal career at Thomson Geer will offer you real, hands-on experience across a wide variety of commercial disciplines and industry sectors, in a supportive and collaborative environment.
We’re ready for you
With more than 700 people, including over 150 partners, operating out of our offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra, we are one of the 10 largest firms operating in Australia.
We offer a flexible, friendly and professionally stimulating environment that puts both our trusting client relationships and our staff’s wellbeing and development at the forefront.
From day one, you’ll be an active participant in the team, involved in all aspects of legal practice, and working directly with experienced practitioners.
Are you ready for us?
We’re looking for hard-working and motivated law students who have excelled academically, are client focused, commercially minded, work well in a team environment, and are ready to commence their career with a major law firm.
We are especially keen to talk to students who have, or are working towards, a second degree in technical fields, such as commerce, engineering and science.
Applications for our 2025/2026 Sydney Summer Clerkships open on 11 June 2025 through our website.
What do our clerks say?
“Everyone I dealt with at the firm was extremely friendly, professional and welcoming. I think the program is very well rounded. I appreciated the fact that it provided a realistic insight into working in the legal profession whilst still providing lots of support.”
“My supervisors / the team fostered a supportive yet constructive environment. The team’s approach allowed me to have the courage to have a go at tasks that challenged me. I am very grateful for my time and experience a TG.”
“The guidance from my supervising lawyer was to the highest quality I have received so far in my legal experience, having an approachable and patient mentor made an enormous difference and enhanced my learning experience.”
What’s it like to work for us?
Developing you
The law is an incredibly rewarding profession, but we recognise it can be demanding. For this reason we create an environment that is flexible, friendly, personable, collegiate and professionally stimulating.
Our clients are at the centre of everything we do; so it is not only the collaborative, supportive relationships we have with each other, but also the well-established, trusting relationships we have with our clients, which make Thomson Geer a great place to work.
Our clerks participate in all our firm and office and team specific activities including Friday night socials, end of year celebrations, sporting teams, regular catch ups with mentors, comprehensive training, informative sessions about our varied practice groups and much more!
We prioritise the wellbeing of all our staff and provide sporting opportunities and encourage personal health. Our market leading EAP provides more than just work related advice but also covers topics such as nutrition, sleep, and financial wellbeing.
Our Graduate Program
Students who complete a clerkship with us will be eligible to be considered for a position in our next graduate program. This program runs for 12 months and includes rotation among different practice areas to help determine the area of law which best suits you and your career path.
We will dedicate time to your development as an up-and-coming lawyer in our team including numerous mentoring, learning, training and information sessions throughout your time at Thomson Geer.
You will find that our partners and staff are approachable and happy to share their knowledge and experience with you.
We encourage our clerks, graduates and trainees to get as much exposure to different practice areas and ways of working as they can – this is a reflection of how we work as a fully integrated, cohesive, national team.
Who are we looking for?
All of our clerks are viewed as potential graduates, and all of our graduates as potential leaders. We therefore look for the same qualities in our clerks and graduates that our lawyers need to possess.
Our lawyers are genuinely interested in our clients and their businesses. They need a critical and curious mind and are passionate about developing solutions in their commercial context.
If your ambition is to develop a career in commercial law and you possess the drive to make your ambitions a reality, we want to hear from you!
Thomson Geer
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
The firm has a wide variety of capabilities in Sydney, but key practice areas are Disputes & Litigation, Corporate, M&A, ECM, Health, Media, IPIT, Tax, Gaming & Leisure, Real Estate, Employment and Construction & Infrastructure.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
The firm has 152 partners and over 750 staff.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
Thomson Geer is still independently owned, is in the top 10 firms nationwide and is in a really exciting growth phase; adding to capability and expertise. We are collaborative to ensure we are providing a full service to clients across our practice groups encompassing a variety of solutions.
DOES THE FIRM HAVE ANY PRE-PENULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT SCHEMES, IF SO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
We have a variety of casual or part-time roles that arise throughout each year and encourage students to keep an eye on our website for these roles.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes, via the firm website (www.tglaw.com.au/careers-2/ graduates-and-clerkships) from Wednesday 11 June.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
Yes, we will consider final year students depending on firm needs.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
We are flexible with this but usually 8-12
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS
FOR IN CLERKS?
There are a number of qualities we look for but the key qualities would be adaptability, commercial awareness, critical thinking, solutions focused, collaborative, keen to learn and grow, driven and personable.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
Such a variety of work will be taken on by clerks, they could be attending court or client meetings, drafting contracts or notices, conducting due diligence or legal research, and so much more.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A CLERK POSITION AT THE FIRM?
Be authentic, understand the values of the organization, show your commercial awareness and be curious.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Yes, they receive priority offers.
DOESTHEFIRMOFFERAGRADUATEPROGRAM, ANDIFSO,HOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Yes, via the website www.tglaw.com.au/careers-2/jointhomson-geer applications close 6 April 2025.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESSION PATH OF A GRADUATE LAWYER AT THE FIRM?
Progression is quite clear at Thomson Geer and comes down to a variety of factors; including performance, involvement in the firm initiatives, learning and development engagement. Typically someone at 2 years post admission experience is eligible to be nominated for Associate.
Together we make a mark
Graduate stories: 60 seconds with….
I am a Melbourne graduate in my second rotation at White & Case. I am currently based in our Abu Dhabi office with the Project Development team.
My first six-month rotation was with the Melbourne Disputes team, and my final rotation will be with the Melbourne Environment & Planning team. I aimed for a variety of litigious and transactional work to round out my skills as a junior.
In the Disputes team, my day-to-day tasks involved legal research, drafting client advice, contractual interpretation and applying legal analysis skills to tasks like witness cross-examination strategies. The critical thinking and intellectual challenge of this work was the highlight. My work in the Abu Dhabi
I have been a graduate at White & Case for nearly one year. I have rotated through the Financial Restructuring & Insolvency practice in Sydney and the Tax practice in Melbourne, and I will soon be heading to Hong Kong’s Debt Finance practice for my third and final seat.
As a graduate, my role is to develop my own technical and professional legal skills and support the other members of the team with their matters. The work I typically do includes drafting (e.g. first drafts of transactional documents, advice memorandums and briefs to counsel), reviewing documents (e.g. company constitutions and security documents), research on
Project Development team has revolved around drafting, amending and proofing documents for major projects, attending contractual negotiations and communicating with clients.
White & Case guarantees graduates the opportunity to do an overseas rotation and the experience has been incredible. I’ve been at the Firm for one year, and so far, I have worked from our Melbourne, Sydney and Abu Dhabi offices, as well as doing a pro bono secondment in Greece. I’ve been involved in high-stakes negotiations, had face-to-face contact with clients and worked on major projects across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
legislation or case law and general matter management (e.g. preparing execution packs, running company searches and managing conditions precedent checklists). There are many skills required to effectively manage a grad’s daily workload, the key ones being prioritisation, time management and communication.
The coolest thing about my job is that every day I contribute to the creation of a desired outcome. Clients come to law firms to achieve all sorts of things and we are here to make those desired outcomes happen. The satisfaction you feel when you contribute to such a thing is truly rewarding.
Julian Grimm 2024 Graduate
Emily Theseira 2024 Graduate
White & Case LLP
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF LAW THAT THE FIRM PRACTICES IN?
Our Australia practices include antitrust/competition, corporate M&A and private equity, debt finance, disputes and international arbitration, environment and planning, financial restructuring and insolvency, project development, project finance, real estate and tax.
HOW MANY LAWYERS AND PARTNERS DOES THE FIRM HAVE?
Partners: 35
Associates: 107
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FIRM?
White & Case are a global law firm with longstanding offices in the markets that matter today. Our on-the-ground experience, cross-border integration and globally qualified lawyers help our clients work with confidence in any one market or across many. Our innovative approaches create original solutions to our clients’ most complex domestic and multijurisdictional deals and disputes.
Over the past 100 years, we’ve built an unrivalled network of 44 offices in 30 countries. This investment is the foundation for White & Case’s client work across 6 continents. Most of our clients are multinational organisations, so almost everything our diverse team works on spans multiple jurisdictions. To help develop a taste for global thinking, we guarantee our graduates a six-month overseas seat in one of our offices across the Asia-Pacific region and wider network, such as Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. Graduates describe this overseas seat as “career changing”, as they gain valuable insight into the working practices of varied legal systems and jurisdictions, as well as growing professional networks that will have a long-lasting impact throughout their careers.
DOES THE FIRM OFFER A CLERKSHIP PROGRAM,IFSOHOWDOSTUDENTSAPPLY?
Applications need to be submitted during the application window, directly via our careers website: www.whitecase. com/AUearlycareers
Initial application:
• Transcript
• Cover letter
• CV
• Followed by: Games-based assessment
Second stage:
• Self-recorded video interview
Final stage:
• 2x individual partner and/or counsel interviews
DOES THE FIRM OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TOCLERKS?
Yes. We recruit all graduates through our clerkship programs.
WHATARETHEQUALITIESTHEFIRMLOOKS FOR IN CLERKS?
There isn’t a typical White & Case graduate or clerk; rather, we seek out individuals with a variety of qualities to strengthen our teams. In saying that, alongside academic excellence there are certain attributes that we know are proven for success.
• You have a global mindset: An interest in working globally and cross-cultural awareness is essential for the work we advise on, our clients, and our teams.
• You are driven to succeed: Like us, you’re not afraid of hard work and you’re dedicated to achieving great results. You have ambition to be a successful global lawyer.
• You’re a team player: We act as one Firm and one team and look to recruit graduates with the same collegial outlook.
• You take initiative: You ask meaningful questions and seek feedback on your work, with the intention of constant improvement.
• You’re client-focused: Our graduates are exposed to clients from the very beginning. They’ll come to depend on your focus on detail and simplifying the complex.
• You have integrity: We have a global reputation for firstclass legal work, and you’ll work towards building and maintaining trust with our clients and your colleagues.
WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CLERKSHIP INTAKE THIS YEAR?
8-10
DOES THE FIRM OFFER CLERKSHIPS TO STUDENTS OUTSIDE THEIR PENULTIMATE YEAR?
Yes – penultimate and final-year students
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS CAN A CLERK EXPECT TO TAKE ON?
As a part of our four-week programs, you’ll be welcomed into our team, where you’ll undertake a number of meaningful and challenging tasks. Through your clerkship, you’ll have the opportunity to:
• Do real client work: draft memorandums; write clients alert; research areas of the law; and attend meetings or court hearings.
• Engage on pro bono matters and work on community projects.
• Learn directly from our lawyers about the Firm and our practice areas in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
• Learn about our Graduate Program, including our overseas seat opportunities.
• Meet our Business Development team and gain insight into how commercial law works.
• Have continual support and feedback from your allocated supervisor, mentor and buddy.
• Join in social events, network and get to know our people.
Wherever your career takes you, we guarantee that you’ll build skills and experience that will last.
DOMESTIC ORGANISATION PROFILE DOMESTIC ORGANISATION PROFILE
Law Society of NSW
WHAT DOES THE LAW SOCIETY OF NSW DO?
The Law Society of NSW is the co-regulator of the legal profession and the largest membership organisation for solicitors in NSW with almost 33,000 members.
We are endowed with co-regulatory powers alongside the Legal Services Commissioner to issue practicing certificates, investigate complaints and administer discipline to uphold the integrity of the profession and ensure the public continue to be served by ethical and responsible solicitors. Through our work on policy submissions and open dialogue with parliamentary bodies, the courts and the Attorney General’s Department, we enhance the voice of the legal profession.
In addition, we offer and host a range of events, programs and resources to help unite and guide the profession including professional, social, networking and wellbeing initiatives.
NSW
DOES THE SOCIETY HAVE ANY PREPENULTIMATEENGAGEMENTSCHEMES,IFSO HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED?
The Law Society supports law students throughout their studies and transition into the profession through a range of personal and professional development, career, networking and wellbeing initiatives. These include our annual Law Students Careers Summit, Graduate and Clerkship Recruitment Programs, Student Ambassador Program, mentoring opportunities and our Online Law Student Portal which features a wealth of information and resources.
DOES THE SOCIETY OFFER GRADUATE POSITIONS TO CLERKS?
The Law Society hosts annual Graduate and Clerkship Recruitment Programs. In consultation with legal employers and educational institutions across NSW, we coordinate recruitment dates for these positions. Participating employers are featured on our Law Student Portal and in communications to students across the State.
By joining the Law Society of NSW as a student member, you become part of a community of over 33,000 members whose wellbeing and success are our priorities.
Our purpose is to help you grow into the best lawyer you can be by providing you with professional development and engagement opportunities to support you as you transition from student to professional.
AS A STUDENT MEMBER YOU CAN ENJOY
5 Access to the online Law Student Portal containing information on upcoming events and programs in addition to helpful information and resources to give you a headstart in your career
5 Exclusive and early access to a range of professional, networking, social and wellbeing events including:
• The Law Students Careers Summit
• Student and Young Lawyers Golden Gavel Competitions
• Graduate and Clerkship Recruitment Programs and information sessions
5 Exclusive access to our range of career, study and wellbeing resources and publications including:
• Student Connect e-newsletter
• LSJ Online
• Thriving in Law Guides
5 Tips and advice on applying for graduate and clerkship positions
5 Resume writing and interview guidance and examples
5 Access to a range of Law Society of NSW wellbeing services including our 24/7 confidential phone line
HOW TO APPLY
If you are currently studying or have recently completed a course in law, sign up for complimentary student membership today. Scan here
or visit lawsociety.com.au/ student-registration
ADMISSION
1. COMPLETE A LAW DEGREE
Graduate with either a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited university.
2. UNDERTAKE PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING (PLT)
Complete an approved PLT program, which includes coursework, work experience, and training in ethics and professional responsibility. You must complete all components and obtain formal certification before applying for admission.
3. PREPARE YOUR ADMISSION DOCUMENTS
Before applying for admission, ensure you have: Proof of PLT completion:
• Proof of PLT Completion;
• Certified academic transcripts;
• At least two character references; and
• Any additional documentation outlined in the Guide for Applicants for Admission
Begin compiling your documentation at least three to five weeks before your intended admission date to allow sufficient time for processing.
4. APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE SUPREME COURT OF NSW
Admission is processed via the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB). Visit the LPAB website and download the Guide for Applicants for Admission. Carefully follow all instructions and checklists. Ensure to submit your application at least five weeks before your desired ceremony date. Ceremony bookings typically close 7 calendar days prior to the ceremony. Also consider that you may need someone to formally move your admission in court.
5. OBTAIN A PRACTICISING CERTIFICATE
After admission, apply for a practising certificate through either the Law Society of NSW or the NSW Bar Association, depending on your intended area of practice.application at least five weeks before your desired ceremony date. Ceremony bookings typically close 7 calendar days prior to the ceremony. Also consider that you may need someone to formally move your admission in court.
1. BE ADMITTED AS A LAWYER IN NSW
You must first complete the full solicitor pathway and be admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW (or another Australian jurisdiction).
2. SIT THE BAR EXAMS
Achieve a mark of at least 75% in all three compulsory exams:
• Ethics for Barristers;;
• Aspects of Evidence; and
• Practice and Procedure for Barristers.
3. COMPLETE THE BAR PRACTICE COURSE
Undertake the month-long Bar Practice Course run by the NSW Bar Association. This focuses on advocacy and barristerspecific skills.
4. COMPLETE A READING PROGRAM
‘Read’ for 12 months under the supervision of a barrister with at least 7 years’ experience. This includes practical exposure to advocacy, court work, and chambers practice.
5. APPLY FOR AN UNRESTRICTED PRACTISING CERTIFICATE (AS A BARRISTER)
Upon completing the reading program, apply to the Bar Association for an unconditional practising certificate. Your tutor must confirm satisfactory completion of the reading period.
IN-HOUSE ROLES AND PATHWAYS
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL SNAPSHOT
OVERVIEW
In-House Lawyers work inside a corporation, bank, government-owned business or NGO rather than in a private law practice. Their mandate is to protect the organisation’s legal and commercial interests across the full project life-cycle: structuring, contracting, approval/ clearance, execution, post-launch support and dispute management. Because they sit “close to the business”, they are also expected to influence strategy, risk appetite and brand positioning.
The demand for In-House Lawyers continues to grow as more organisations across a wide range of industries build internal legal teams. For students, this means that In-House roles are increasingly viable career options - either directly after graduation or later through lateral moves. According to the 2023 Annual Profile of Solicitors in NSW, 67% of practising solicitors work in private practice, while 21% are employed as In-House or 'corporate legal practitioners'.
Working In-House offers the opportunity to develop industry-specific legal knowledge while also building strong commercial awareness. In-house Lawyers must understand the business’ goals, obligations, risks, and assets, and apply their legal skills in a practical, solutions-focused way.
ADVANTAGES OF STARTING IN-HOUSE
In-house roles give you a front-row seat to how a business operates. You work directly with internal teams like marketing, finance, HR, or product development, which means your legal advice is often used immediately in realworld decisions. You’re likely to be exposed to a wide variety of legal issues early on in your career, including but not limited to:contracts, privacy, compliance, and employment law. Many students also value the more predictable hours and the sense of being a “trusted advisor” to one client: the business itself.
If you've worked as a Paralegal in an In-House legal team, this can be a smooth path into a Junior Lawyer position after graduation or admission, especially if you've already built rapport with the team and understand the business’s
ADVANTAGES OF STARTING IN PRIVATE PRACTICE
Law firms typically offer structured graduate programs with formal training, rotations across practice areas, and strong supervision, ideal for students who want to learn quickly and build technical skills. You may work on high-profile deals or disputes for major clients, gaining exposure to specialised areas like mergers and acquisitions, litigation, or intellectual property.
Private practice also provides a clear progression path, often with faster promotions and broader networks. The variety of clients and matters can also help you decide what legal area you want to specialise in later.
CAREER PATHWAYS INTO IN-HOUSE
DIRECT ENTRY AND EARLY CAREER ROUTES
While many In-House Counsel begin their careers in private practice, direct pathways to In-House are becoming increasingly viable for students, particularly in industries with strong legal operations or regulatory footprints, such as financial services, energy, technology, and pharmaceuticals. Some companies now recruit Graduate Lawyers directly into legal teams, especially where they offer structured legal rotations or general counsel-led development programs. A growing number of Junior Lawyers also transition internally after working as In-House Paralegals during their studies or immediately post-graduation.
Junior Lawyers entering In-house roles early often gain broad legal exposure,, and work closely with business units from day one.
LATERAL MOVEMENTS INTO IN-HOUSE ROLES
Lateral movement into In-House positions is common at multiple career stages, particularly at the 3-10 PQE level. Lawyers may transition from:
Commercial law firms, often seeking greater worklife balance, deeper client relationships, or industry specialisation;
Boutique or regulatory-focused practices, leveraging sector-specific knowledge in areas like competition, IP, or data privacy;
Government and public-sector roles, where experience in regulation or administrative law is transferable; Other In-House teams, when changing industries or seeking larger legal departments with broader scope and progression pathways.
Hiring managers increasingly value commercial acumen, stakeholder management, and adaptability over strict sector experience, especially where the candidate demonstrates strong foundational legal skills and sound judgment.
SECONDMENTS INTO IN-HOUSE TEAMS
For many Lawyers, In-House Secondments are the first exposure to corporate legal work. These placements, often arranged through law firms or legal resourcing agencies,allow practitioners to:
Work within a business context, responding directly to internal clients;
Learn to assess legal risk in commercial terms; Observe cross-functional collaboration with finance, HR, procurement, and product teams.
Secondments may last anywhere from a few months to over a year and frequently lead to permanent offers. They are also a strong foundation for those considering future In-House roles, as they demonstrate practical, client-facing experience.
INTERNATIONAL ADMISSION
CHINA HONG KONG
REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A PRACTICING ATTORNEY
To become a practicing attorney in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) you must have:
• PRC, Taiwan, or Hong Kong/Macau citizenship;
• Completed an undergraduate degree in any field;
• Passed the National Judicial Examination;
• Completed a one-year internship in a law firm; and
• Proof of recruitment by a law firm.
NATIONAL JUDICIAL EXAMINATION
Since 2004, the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), has allowed permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau, with Chinese nationality, to take the National Judicial Examination and register to practice on the mainland. The practice areas are limited to nonlitigation issues and litigations in marriage and succession relating to Hong Kong and Macau.
The National Judicial Examination is administered by the Ministry of Justice. It is a unified legal examination and unlike judicial examinations of most other countries, candidates sit the 17 subjects at the same time. Usually, the exam is scheduled for a weekend in September.
The Examination is a closed book exam mainly designed to test the legal knowledge of the candidates and their suitability to join the legal profession. Questions are divided into four categories:
(1) Theoretical legal science
(2) Applied legal science
(3) Provisions in current laws
(4) Legal practice and ethics
HONG KONG / MACAO RESIDENTS
Since 2004, the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), has allowed permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau, with Chinese nationality, to take the National Judicial Examination and register to practice on the mainland. The practice areas are limited to nonlitigation issues and litigations in marriage and succession relating to Hong Kong and Macau. However, a Hong Kong or Macau permanent resident who is a practicing barrister or solicitor in their respective jurisdictions, can be hired as ‘of counsel’ in a mainland law firm to provide legal advice relating to practice in Hong Kong, Macau or other foreign jurisdictions.
NON-CHINESE CITIZENS
Foreign lawyers cannot provide legal services in person in the PRC. Foreign lawyers cannot represent clients in court unless they obtain LLM or other graduate degrees and pass the Chinese bar exam. Likewise, Chinese lawyers may work in foreign firms operating in China, but may only work as assistants due to restrictions on foreign law firms.
Foreign law firms are able to establish representative offices and can:
• Provide legal advice concerning the legislation in its admitted jurisdiction and the application of international treaties and practices; and
• Represent clients from their admitted jurisdiction in transnational cases. The chief representative, the representative and the resident foreign lawyers of the firm all need to register with the All China Lawyers Association (ACLA).
QUALIFYING AS A SOLICITOR
There are two avenues to qualifying as a solicitor in Hong Kong: as a trainee solicitor, or via the overseas lawyer route.
(1) THE TRAINEE SOLICITOR RULE
This is the easiest pathway to qualification for university graduates. To be admitted, prospective solicitors are required to complete the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) from a common law jurisdiction, the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) in Hong Kong, and a two-year training contract with a law firm.
Students must complete a law degree, including the Priestly 11 units:
(a) Land Law
(b) Business Associations
(c) Commercial Law
(d) Criminal Law
(e) Criminal Procedure
(f) Equity
(g) Torts
(h) Civil Procedure
(i) Evidence
(j) Contract
POSTGRADUATE IN LAWS (PCLL)
The PCLL is a one-year full-time legal education programme provided by three universities: Hong Kong University, City University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Other than securing a training contract, the requirements for admission into the PCLL are the most challenging barriers to admission in Hong Kong.
These are:
• Completion of your LLB/JD before PCLL commencement
• Demonstration of competence in 11 core and 3 topup subjects
• A score of at least 7 from the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test
Moreover, competition for places in the PCLL programme is intense and usually based only on academic merit. A high credit or distinction average in your law degree is generally recommended.
TRAINING CONTRACTS
Training contracts are special employment contracts with law firms. During the two-year period, trainee solicitors are exposed to work from at least three practice areas. Many top-tier firms send their trainees to their overseas office as part of the training programme. Internships are generally for penultimate year students and last between two weeks to a month. They are available in June, July, December, January and February, although not all firms run schemes in these months. Please note that due to trimesters, some internship dates will run through the Term 2 and Term 3 study periods.
In order to complete mid-year internships running through June/ July, students will have to take Term 2 off. Interns at top-tier firms can be expected to be remunerated at the market rate and may even receive a living allowance. For Australian students, interviews for internships in Hong Kong are conducted over the phone, Skype, Zoom, Google Meets, or through the firms’ Sydney or Melbourne offices.
HONG KONG
(2) THE OVERSEAS LAWYER ROUTE
Practising solicitors in an overseas common law jurisdiction (including Australian States) with at least three years post-admissions experience can seek admission through this route. In order to be admitted, the solicitor must sit and pass five Overseas Lawyers Qualification Examinations (four written and one oral). There are also additional certain residency requirements that must be satisfied. An overseas lawyer, pending qualification, can also be registered as a foreign lawyer with the Law Society of Hong Kong. Experience gained as a registered foreign lawyer can count towards the three years post qualification experience requirement.
However, registered foreign lawyers must work from within a law firm. The formal requirements are:
(1) Have at least three years of post-admissions experience
(2) Be a person of good standing in the jurisdiction of admission
(3) Pass the Overseas Lawyers Qualifications
(4) Examinations as well as either; Lived in Hong Kong for 3 months prior to application; or Be a resident of Hong Kong for at least 3 years; or Be in Hong Kong for at least 180 days in each of the last 7 years.
QUALIFYING AS A BARRISTER
The pathways to admission as a barrister are largely similar to that of a solicitor. Prospective barristers in Hong Kong can either seek ad hoc admission, if they have been admitted overseas or general admission after completion of the PCLL. For those who elect to take the PCLL, certain electives must be taken within the PCLL programme and you should check with the relevant Hong Kong universities. Instead of a training contract, a pupillage is required.
General admission is also available to practising solicitors in Hong Kong or overseas practising lawyers, provided they have completed a pupillage. For more information regarding admission requirements, it is strongly recommended that those interested in qualifying as a barrister in Hong Kong visit the website of the Hong Kong Bar Association at http://www.hkba.org
VACATION WORK AND PUPILAGES / TRAINING CONTRACTS
Practising solicitors in an overseas common law jurisdiction (including Australian States) with at least three years post-admissions experience can seek admission through this route. In order to be admitted, the solicitor must sit and pass five Overseas Lawyers Qualification Examinations (four written and one oral). There are also additional certain residency requirements that must be satisfied. An overseas lawyer, pending qualification, can also be registered as a foreign lawyer with the Law Society of Hong Kong. Experience gained as a registered foreign lawyer can count towards the three years post qualification experience requirement.
However, registered foreign lawyers must work from within a law firm. The formal requirements are:
(1) Have at least three years of post-admissions experience
(2) Be a person of good standing in the jurisdiction of admission
(3) Pass the Overseas Lawyers Qualifications
(4) Examinations as well as either; Lived in Hong Kong for 3 months prior to application; or Be a resident of Hong Kong for at least 3 years; or Be in Hong Kong for at least 180 days in each of the last 7 years.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PCLL AND HONG KONG CONVERSION EXAMS
WHAT IS IT?
The Hong Kong Conversion Examinations are preparatory exams for non-Hong Kong students to meet requirements for admission to Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) in Hong Kong. Entry requirements for PCLL require demonstration of competence in 11 core subjects: Australian students with non- Hong Kong law qualifications must also demonstrate competence in three top-up subjects for the purpose of PCLL admission, namely:
(1) Hong Kong Constitutional Law; (2) Hong Kong Legal System; and (3) Hong Kong Land Law.
HOW DO I GET EXEMPTIONS FOR THE 11 CORE SUBJECTS THAT
HAVE BEEN ALREADY COMPLETE OR WILL BE COMPLETED AT A UNIVERSITY
OVERSEAS?
To apply for exemption from any Conversion Examination(s), students must submit an application for Evaluation to the Conversion Examinations Board.
DO ANY OF MY UNSW COURSES EXEMPT ME FROM ANY OF THE POLL EXAMS?
The UNSW LLB/JD programme, when completed, will exempt you from at least 10 of the 11 core subjects required for the PCLL conversion exams. You will need to complete the 3 top up subjects and commercial law (you may be exempt from a part of the exam if you take commercial law as an elective). For more information please visit www.pca.com.hk
WHAT IF MY LAW DEGREE DOES NOT INVOLVE A COURSE LISTED ABOVE OR IF I DO NOT GET AN EXEMPTION?
You must satisfy all 14 subjects before you begin the PCLL programme, which is a necessary step to qualifying as a solicitor in Hong Kong. If your law degree does not require you to complete certain subjects listed above or PCEA does not grant you an exemption, you must sit the Conversion examinations. These are administered by PCEA and obtaining a pass in these examinations demonstrates ‘competence’ in the relevant subject. Another way of demonstrating competence is to complete the relevant subjects as a visiting ‘internal’ student at either the University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, or the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
WHEN ARE CONVERSION EXAMINATIONS
OFFERED?
Conversion exams are usually offered in January and in June/July. Students should check the PCLL Conversion Examination website www.pcea.com.hk for specific dates.
HOW LONG DOES THE PCLL COURSE TAKE?
The Postgraduate Certification in Laws (PCLL) can be completed in 1 year full time or 2 years part time study.
DO I NEED TO HAVE ANY CHINESE LANGUAGE SKILLS?
Having Chinese language skills is definitely an advantage. Whether it is a requirement will depend on the firm itself. If you do not have the prerequisite Chinese language skills, it is important that you are able to demonstrate that you are willing to learn as it is becoming a stronger focus.
UNITED KINGDOM
THE STEPS
If you have a law degree from an overseas institution, you can apply to the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (SRA) for a Certificate of Academic Standing. This will qualify you to apply for entry into the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) (if you want to become a solicitor) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) (if you want to be a barrister).
ADMISSION OF A SOLICITOR
You must be willing to undertake further training and study if you wish to become an accredited solicitor in the UK. As a law graduate, training will take at least three years. This includes studying for and passing further exams beyond law school.
The Solicitors Regulation Board oversees the requirements of becoming a solicitor, known in the UK as being admitted to the roll of solicitors. As a law graduate, there are four components to being admitted to the roll of solicitors in the UK:
• A Law Degree (LLB or JD) – including successful completion of Contract, Restitution, Torts, Criminal Law, Equity and Trusts, Property Law, Public Law, Constitutional Law, and Administrative Law;
• Legal Practice Course (LPC) (1 year) – similar to Australia’s College of Law;
• Practice-based training contract incorporating Professional Skills Course (2 years full time); and
• Admission to the roll of solicitors.
As an overseas applicant, there is an alternative pathway to becoming an accredited solicitor that avoids the difficulties of using Australian University law courses to satisfy UK requirements (for example, European Union Law, one of the requirements, is not taught here at UNSW). This involves becoming accredited in Australia through the College of Law, applying for a Certificate of Eligibility from the UK’s Solicitors Regulation Authority, applying for the Qualified Lawyer Transfer Scheme, and thus becoming a qualified lawyer in England and Wales.
SOLICITORS QUALIFYING EXAM
Overseas law degrees are not recognised by the SRA as qualifying law degrees (nor are most LLMs completed in the UK). If you have a law degree from an overseas institution, you can in some circumstances apply to the SRA for Equivalent Means, which can grant exemption from qualification and training requirements such as the LPC, Common Professional Examination (CPE) and Period of Recognised Training (PRT).
Bear in mind that from September 2021 everyone wishing to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, including overseas candidates, will be required to take the new SQE instead of the QLTS.
You will need to show that your non-UK qualification is equivalent to either a UK degree or equivalent UK qualification through a UK NARIC Statement of Comparability, and complete the two-year period of qualifying work experience like all other domestic candidates who pursue the SQE route. The work experience can be obtained in England and Wales or overseas.
THE TRAINING CONTRACT
You must complete training with a law firm for two years. Most training contracts are taken on a fulltime basis and last two years.
ADMISSION AS BARRISTER
The first step to becoming a barrister in the UK is to satisfy the academic requirements. This mean a law degree (LLB or JD) followed by a Graduate Diploma in Law. Questions of transfer eligibility of Australian degrees to satisfy LLB/ JD requirements should be directed to the Barrister Standards Board (BSB). While LLB/ JD and GDL are prerequisites for moving onto the vocational stage, it however does not guarantee admission.
The second stage of training to become a barrister is the vocational stage. This takes the form of the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), which can either be taken over one-year full time or two years part time; the latter of which allows time for students to carry out paid work and gain useful legal experience. Prospective barristers must also pass the Bar Course Aptitude Test: https://www.barprofessionaltraining.org.uk/s4/oa/ candid ates/start.asp
The final stage of training to become a barrister is a one-year pupillage. This is usually undertaken in a set of barristers’ chambers, although it can also be undertaken with certain other organisations. Being a pupil is similar to being an apprentice where you will gain practical training under the supervision of an experienced barrister or barristers. At the end of the year you will be a fully qualified barrister.
Pupillage is divided into two parts: the “first six” which is a non-practising six months and the “second six” which is a practising six months. During the first six, pupils generally shadow their pupil supervisor, do legal research, draft opinions and other court documents, read their pupil supervisor’s paperwork and observe him or her in conferences and in court. During the second six, pupils can take on some work of their own, under supervision. For more information visit this website: http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/becoming-abarrister/
BAR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING COURSE
You must complete the Bar Professional Training Course in order to be admitted as a barrister. The full-time course lasts for a year, while the part-time option is spread over two.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Chambers Students UK
This website is for anyone considering a law career in the UK. There are thousands of interviews with trainees, pupils and market sources, as well as interesting and informative articles. There is also a newsletter which you can sign up to for free. http://www.chambersstudent. co.uk/
The Law Society of the UK
The Law Society of the UK also offers support for those working towards becoming a qualified solicitor other legal professional in the United Kingdom. http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/
Solicitors Regulation Authority
To find out more about becoming a qualified solicitor in the United Kingdom, please contact the Solicitors Regulation Authority, which oversees the requirements for admissions. http://www.sra.org.uk/
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Whilst there is a large legal market in the US, to practice law in the US, all lawyers both foreign and domestic must be admitted to the bar association for the state they wish to practice in. Each US state establishes its own rules for bar admission.
NEW YORK
New York has traditionally been the most receptive state to lawyers who have qualified in Australia and is home to one of the nation’s most attractive legal markets. Unlike many other states, New York does not require a law degree from a school accredited by the American Bar Association.
To qualify to practice in New York:
(1) Applicants must have a “qualifying” law degree that satisfies the educational requirements to practice law in a foreign country.
(2) The qualifying degree must be from a law school accredited by the government of the foreign country and must be deemed qualified and approved.
(3) The applicant must have successfully completed a legal program of equivalent length to the Juris Doctor legal education provided by American Bar Association (ABA) Legal education in the US is traditionally a fulltime, three-year course of study - foreign lawyers, accordingly need similar credentials.
(4)))Similarly, the program and course of study successfully completed by the applicant must be substantially equivalent to that of the Common Law education provided by an ABA-approved law school in the United States. New York is common for lawyers who practice in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and banking and finance.
CALIFORNIA
California is also quite a receptive state, but in a more narrow sense. Australian lawyers who move to California tend to practice in areas such as project financing, intellectual property, and technology. If an applicant wants to practice law in California as a foreign-educated applicant not admitted to practice law in any United States jurisdiction they must:
(1)(a) Obtain from a credential evaluation service approved by the Committee of Bar Examiners a certificate that the applicant’s first degree in law is substantially equivalent to a Juris Doctor degree awarded by a law school approved by the American Bar Association or accredited by the Committee or;
(1)(b) Obtain from a credential evaluation service approved by the committee a certificate that the applicant’s first degree in law meets the educational requirements for admission to practice law in the foreign state or country in which it was obtained.
(2) They must also show that they have successfully completed a year of law study at an ABA approved law school or a law school accredited by the committee.
Law students in this category seeking to qualify to take the California Bar Examination must provide the following to the State Bar’s Office of Admissions in Los Angeles:
(1) A completed “Registration as a Foreign Educated General Applicant” form with the required registration fee of $119.
(2) An evaluated law degree equivalency report and a “Foreign Law Study Evaluation Summary” form, which must be completed by a credential evaluation agency approved by the Committee.
WASHINGTON DC
Washington DC is another possible location, but it is harder for Australian qualified lawyers to break into practice in this area because the Washington legal market has a significant US government focus. Those interested in working here are advised to enter through New York and then move after gaining US experience and a US Bar qualification or Masters.
These are currently the only three US jurisdictions in which Australian lawyers can work. This is because in the US, being admitted to a state Bar only permits the barrister to practice in one state - i.e. being admitted to the New York Bar only permits the individual to practice in the state of New York.
Only these three Bars do not require certain units of study which can only be taken in the US. US firms do not usually recruit out of Australia at graduate level as they traditionally take their first year lawyers from the US university JD programs.
It is important to note the practice areas within firms that are able to be translated across borders. The lateral hire move is usually around the two to four year level. Many Australian lawyers who move over to the US also practice Australian law for clients with a US presence.
Most US firms do not require Australian lawyers to already have US Bar qualifications. However, they will require Australian lawyers to sit the Bar Exams within 12 months to become fully qualified US attorneys.US firms will generally provide assistance in the preparation for Bar Exams. This includes giving lawyers study leave as the pass mark is 75%.
Please note that the information provided above is by no means definitive, and is meant to merely provide general background information. We advise students to do their own research on US admission requirements.
Below are a list of useful resources and links:
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
http://www.americanbar.org/
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL LAW http://www.asil.org/
CALIFORNIA BAR WEBSITE http://www.calbar.ca.gov/
NEW YORK BAR WEBSITE
https://www.nysba.org/
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
http://www.utexas.edu/law/career/LLM_ Licensure. pdf/
SINGAPORE
Singapore is a common law jurisdiction but the legal profession is fused, meaning that lawyers can act as both a solicitor and a barrister. To qualify as a lawyer in Singapore, one must fulfil the requirements of being a ‘qualified person’ and then sit the Singapore Bar. Examinations, which is divided into Part A (for overseas graduates) and Part B (a five month practical course).
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must:
• Have attained the age of 21 years;
• Be of good character;
• Have satisfactorily served the practice training period applicable to you;
• Have attended and satisfactorily completed such courses of instruction as the Board of Directors of the Singapore Institute of Legal Education (SILE) may prescribe; and
• Have passed such examinations as the Board of Directors of the Institute SILE may prescribe.
QUALIFYING TO PRACTICE
Under Rule 9 (1) of the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules, you are a “qualified person” if you fulfil ALL the following requirements:
1. That person is a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore;
2. That institution of higher learning is an institution of higher learning in Australia or New Zealand specified in the First Schedule;
3. That degree is a degree of Bachelor of Laws or degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence specified for that institution of higher learning in the First Schedule;
4. That person —
(i) commenced reading on or after 1 January 1994 a course of study as a candidate for that degree, if that degree is a degree of Bachelor of Laws; or
(ii) is conferred that degree on or after 1 December 2017, if that degree is a degree of Doctor of Jurispru dence;
5. That person has been ranked by that institution of higher learning as being amongst:
(i) the highest 70%, in terms of academic performance, of the total number of graduates in the same batch who have been conferred the degree or degrees of Bachelor of Laws specified in the First Schedule in respect of that institution of higher learning; or
(ii) the highest 70%, in terms of academic performance, of the total number of graduates in the same batch who have been conferred the degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence specified in the First Schedule in respect of that institution of higher learning
5. that person has passed Part A of the Singapore Bar Examinations; and
6. after that person has passed the final examination for that degree, for a period of not less than 6 months within a continuous period of 8 months, that person has received relevant legal training, has been engaged in relevant legal practice or work, or has received relevant legal training and been engaged in relevant legal practice or work.
ALTERNATIVES PATHS TO LEGAL PRACTICE IN SINGAPORE
Practicing as a Foreign Lawyer Individuals who are admitted to practice in another jurisdiction can apply to the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ Legal Profession (International Services) Secretariat to work as a ‘Foreign Lawyer’ in Singapore under Part IXA of the Legal Profession Act. Applicants will not need to take any courses or examinations.
FOREIGN PRACTITIONER EXAMS
The Singapore Institute of Legal Education (SILE) conducts the Foreign Practitioner Examinations (FPE). Lawyers admitted to practice in other jurisdictions who pass the FPE can apply for a Foreign Practitioner Certificate from the Attorney General. This certificate permits them to practice in limited areas of Singapore law.
Areas permitted include intellectual property law, banking and finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Foreign lawyers must have at least three years of relevant Legal experience (either in Singapore or overseas) before they can apply to sit for the FPE. For more information, please visit: http://www.sile.edu.sg/ eligibility-to-register-to-sit-for-the-fpe
Practicing as In-House Counsel Individuals may be able to practice as in-house counsel at an organisation in Singapore. Please visit the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association website for more information: www.scca.org.sg
THE SINGAPORE BAR EXAMINATIONS
PART A
Part A is a conversion examination for eligible overseas graduates from overseas universities. These examinations are held in November each year and applicants are able to take Part A even if they have not fulfilled all the “qualified person” requirements graduates.
PART B
A compulsory 5-month practical law course and examination for both local and overseas graduates.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
BOUCHRA CHEHIMY
SUMMER CLERK 2024/2025
ALLENS
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR FIRM?
I chose Allens because of the market-leading work and culture. In addition, Allens stood out to me due to its reputation in complex matters, as well as its strategic alliance with Linklaters. I was drawn to the excellent culture of the firm where the firm’s investment in training and development was evident.
WHAT TYPE OF WORK DID YOU DO?
I rotated in the Tax and Competition, Consumer and Regulatory teams. I had the opportunity to work on complex legal matters through assisting with legal research, preparing client emails, attending client meetings, and preparing regulatory summaries. The work was varied, challenging and intellectually stimulating.
THE BEST PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP?
The best part of my clerkship was getting to know the lawyers and my clerk cohort. There were plenty of social events which helped us meet new people across the firm. I also enjoyed participating in the firm committees such as the Cultural Awareness Network and the Women@Allens Committee.
THE MOST SURPRISING PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP?
I was surprised by how much effort senior lawyers put into making sure we had a positive experience. Everyone took the time to explain complex matters and made sure I understood the broader context of the work I was doing.
ADVICE TO STUDENTS?
Take some time to think about skills or experiences that will benefit your long-term career. Next, use the re sources available to you so that you are able to make the most out of your time. And finally, have fun! It is gen uinely such a great time, so enjoy the process.
DAPHNE FONG
SUMMER CLERK 2024/25
KING & WOOD MALLESONS
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR FIRM?
I chose King & Wood Mallesons because of its strong reputation across both domestic and international markets, and the opportunity to work on complex, high-impact matters. After completing the KWM Insight Program, I was also drawn to the firm’s genuine commitment to learning and development, as well as its collaborative and inclusive culture. Moreover, what really set the firm apart was the interview process, as it felt personal and thoughtful. For example, I had a coffee and walked through the botanical gardens, went on a floor tour, and was primarily asked questions regarding my interests and hobbies. This left a lasting impression.
WHAT TYPE OF WORK DID YOU DO?
I rotated through two practice areas, which gave me valuable exposure to different types of legal work. In Tax, I focused on research, document review, Excel-based work, and drafting case summaries. In Public M&A, I worked on research, due diligence, drafted various documents, and attended an AGM. I was fortunate to work directly with partners and correspond with clients, which made the experience particularly enriching.
THE BEST PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP?
The people. KWM fosters a genuinely supportive and welcoming environment. I always felt like there was a strong network of solicitors and senior associates I could rely on. I had regular check-ins, informal catch-ups, and fortnightly coffees with my supervising partner. The firm ensures clerks are never left adrift, even in such a large organisation. I also really enjoyed the social side of the clerkship, such as the M&A fashion show, clerk sports and kayaking, which made it easy to build friendships across the cohort.
THE MOST SURPRISING PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP?
How much trust and responsibility is placed in clerks. From day one, I was given meaningful work and opportunities to engage directly with clients and partners. It was both challenging and empowering to be treated as a valued team member rather than just an observer.
LIHARA DELUNGAHAWATTE
SUMMER CLERK 2024/2025
ASHURST
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR FIRM?
I chose my firm because of its strong reputation as both a leading Australian firm and a globally integrated international practice. What particularly stood out to me was the firm’s distinctive culture – one that values collaboration, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence. During my interactions with people at firm before the during the interview process, I consistently saw a team that was not only hardworking and driven, but also genuinely supportive of one another.
The firm’s strategy also resonated with me. Its clear focus on growth in areas such as energy transition, digital transformation, and private capital aligns with where the legal market and the broader global economy is heading.
Being part of a top-tier Australian firm with such a clear international vision is incredibly appealing. The recent move into the new Sydney office is also a tangible symbol of Ashurst’s continued investment in innovation and collaboration, creating a modern environment where teams can do their best work.
Ultimately, the firm offered the rare combination of high-calibre work, a global platform and a people-first culture making it a place where I feel I could meaningfully grow, contribute, and thrive.
WHAT TYPE OF WORK DID YOU DO?
During my clerkship, I was fortunate to gain handson experience across a range of meaningful tasks that deepened my understanding of commercial legal practice. I conducted extensive legal research to support complex advice and litigation strategy and drafted internal memos, external emails, and legal documents.
I assisted with first reviews and cross-referencing of contracts, supported the execution of agreements, and contributed to the closing process on several large-scale transactions. On the disputes side, I helped prepare materials for cross-examination and gained valuable insight by attending client meetings and expert interviews.
THE BEST PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP?
The best part of my clerkship was twofold. Firstly, forming genuine connections with my fellow clerks and future graduate cohort was incredibly rewarding. There was a real sense of camaraderie and it was energising to be surrounded by peers who were equally driven, curious and collaborative. Secondly, I had the opportunity to work closely with some of the most intelligent and experienced legal minds in the profession. What stood out was not only their technical brilliance but also their willingness to invest in my development—offering mentorship, constructive feedback, and guidance that was always thoughtful and generous. That combination of community and mentorship made the experience both professionally enriching and personally meaningful.
THE MOST SURPRISING PART OF YOUR CLERKSHIP?
One of the most surprising parts of my clerkship was how much ownership I was trusted with from the very beginning. I wasn’t just shadowing. I was actively contributing to meaningful work, whether it was assisting with transactions, reviewing contracts or supporting preparation for cross-examinations. The variety of legal work I was exposed to was also unexpected and each task gave me insight into different facets of commercial practice.
Another standout surprise was seeing how junior lawyers were not only approachable but eager to help. There was a strong culture of paying it forward.
Many of them shared that they had been supported in the same way when they first started and they now wanted to offer that same guidance. It reinforced the sense that firm was a place where mentorship and learning are embedded in the firm’s DNA.
ADVICE TO STUDENTS?
My biggest piece of advice is to be yourself throughout the application process. Firms are not just looking for the highest marks – they’re looking for well-rounded, authentic people who will thrive in their culture. Don’t try to fit a mould; instead, lean into what makes you unique.
Take the time to speak to people who work at the firm or have been through the process. Understanding the culture firsthand can give you a real edge in tailoring your application and interview responses—not just to impress, but to see if the firm is genuinely the right fit for you. The process is just as much about you finding a place where you’ll be supported and able to grow, as it is about the firm finding the right candidate.
Also, try to find someone who has made it into your dream firm and shares similar characteristics or challenges. For example, if your marks aren’t the highest, look for someone who also didn’t have the highest grades but still secured a position. Understanding how they approached the process—what they emphasised, how they framed their experiences—can be incredibly valuable. This will help you play to your strengths in a way that feels true to who you are.
PRE-PENULTIMATE OPPORTUNITIES
INTRODUCTION
Although this guide is primarily tailored to support penultimate-year students preparing for Clerkship applications, this section responds to an equally important, and frequently raised, question: how can students begin building legal experience earlier in their degrees?
Increasingly, students in their first, second or third year are seeking meaningful ways to engage with the legal profession at an earlier stage in their degree. This reflects a shift in both student ambition and market dynamics: employers increasingly value Pre-Clerkship experience as a marker of initiative, professionalism, and practical readiness.
For that reason, this section functions as a complementary guide within the broader framework. It outlines realistic pathways to legal employment for pre-penultimate LLB students, recognising that while early legal work is not a strict prerequisite for Clerkships or Graduate roles, it is an increasingly important asset.
Whether your goal is to gain exposure, develop interview capital, or build confidence, the strategies below are designed to help you take proactive, informed steps well before Clerkship season begins.
Exposure to practice before your penultimate year confers three principal benefits:
• Bridging Theory and Practice: Legal concepts gain real-world clarity when reinforced through exposure to documents, procedures, and client matters in a professional setting;
• Developing Interview Capital: Early work experience provides concrete examples that enhance responses in Clerkship and Graduate job interviews. These anecdotes not only demonstrate your practical skills but also signal a considered and sustained interest in legal practice.
• Building your Professional Reputation. Demonstrated reliability and diligence in a legal environment can lead to references, mentoring, and future employment opportunities later in your degree.
It is equally important to recognise market realities. Paid Paralegal roles for first-year students are uncommon, and even high-performing candidates frequently submit dozens of applications before receiving an affirmative response. Persistence, deliberate skill-building and reflective improvement are therefore essential.
RECRUITMENT TIMELINE
Understanding this timeline helps set realistic goals: your focus in first year should be on discovering your interests, alongside building a strong foundation of experience and professional skills so that by the time mainstream recruiting begins, you’re a competitive and confident candidate.
1st year
2nd year
A regular half-day shift each week delivers front-of-house client contact, training in intake procedures, and proximity to practising solicitors who volunteer alongside you.
Most entry-level advertisements commence; still highly competitive.
This Means for Students
Submit expressions of interest to multiple CLCs; offer a regular half-day commitment. Applications are competitive.
3rd year +
Prime recruitment window for commercial and top-tier firms, with many promoting existing paralegals into Clerkship roles.
Start building legal-adjacent experience now; seek Administrative or Junior Assistant positions within legal organisations. Reach out to recent alumni or junior staff on LinkedIn for insights, advice, or even a referral; networking is often what turns interest into access.
At this stage, securing a Law Clerk or Paralegal role is essential. Focus on roles that align with your areas of interest and build a clear narrative linking your experience to the competencies firms seek in Clerks and Graduates. Reflect this trajectory in your CV, cover letters and interviews; demonstrate how your paralegal work has prepared you for the demands of commercial legal practice.
Year of Study Employer Hiring Trends What
ENTRY PATHWAYS
Each of the pathways outlined below offers a distinct window into legal practice; taken together, they form a flexible toolkit for building the competencies that employers value in entry-level Paralegals. Choose two or three avenues that align with your interests and timetable. Sustained commitment will yield tangible skills, credible referees and authentic interview anecdotes which will assist in securing Law Clerk / Paralegal roles.
Pathway Principal Benefit Immediate First Step
Administrative or Receptionist roles in Law Firms
A regular half-day shift each week delivers front-of-house client contact, training in intake procedures, and proximity to practising solicitors who volunteer alongside you. Submit expressions of interest to multiple CLCs; offer a regular half-day commitment. Applications are competitive.
Small suburban or Sole-Practitioner firms
Many “Paralegal Wanted” ads ask for, ironically, prior paralegal experience. Getting your foot in the door via reception or administrative assistant roles is the classic workaround and can lead directly to a Paralegal role.
Configure Seek or LinkedIn alerts for “Legal Receptionist” within commuting distance.
Court or Tribunal Registry Employment
These practices rarely run glossy recruitment campaigns. They hire when caseload spikes, which means a well-timed walk-in with a neat CV can unlock a role no one else knew about.
Deliver a succinct CV in person to local offices; request a brief meeting. It is a pure numbers game; visit ten offices, debrief, refine your pitch, and visit ten more.
Academic or Barristers’ Chambers Research Assistant roles
Structured Virtual Internships
Working as a Registry or Tribunal Officer embeds you in the formal machinery of litigation. You interact daily with court lists, filing systems, parties, practitioners and judicial officers, gaining first-hand familiarity with procedural rules, case-flow management and courtroom etiquette.
Create targeted alerts for ‘Registry Officer’ or “Tribunal Officer” positions on I Work for NSW, APS Jobs and Seek, and review the vacancy pages of the NSW Courts, the Fair Work Commission and the Administrative Review Tribunal at least once a week.
Completing a self-paced virtual Internship demonstrates initiative, sector-specific curiosity and a working knowledge of common tasks in areas such as Commercial Disputes or M&A. Although these programmes do not typically convert directly into employment, they provide credible talking points in interviews and allow you to signal interest in a particular firm or practice area
Select a module aligned with the field you wish to pursue (e.g., the Linklaters or White & Case commercial-law simulations), finish the tasks to the suggested standard, and list the programme under “Professional Development” on your CV.
CONSTRUCTING A COMPETETIVE PROFILE
UNSW LAWSOC
Until substantive experience is acquired, academic results remain the principal objective metric available to employers.
PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITIONS, SOCIETIES AND EXTRA-CURRICULARS
Participation, and particularly placement , in mooting, mediation and client-interview competitions evidences teamwork, research ability and public-speaking competence.
This guide is not an advertisement aimed to persuade you to join LawSoc, however, doing so certainly has numerous benefits. Joining LawSoc, whether as a Subcommittee Member, Director, or VP, helps you build your professional network early. Having friends in Law is invaluable not just for interview tips and career insights, but also as a support system while navigating assessments, Clerkships, and the broader demands of Law School. Notably, a vast majority of Big 8 UNSW Clerks in recent years have had some form of involvement with LawSoc, typically through executive positions.
MONITOR PUBLIC-SECTOR LISTINGS
For roles within Courts and Tribunals, regularly visit I Work for NSW, APS Jobs, and the career pages of the NSW Courts, Fair Work Commission, and Administrative Review Tribunal. Registry officer or listings Clerk positions at the APS 3-4 level are well-suited to Law students and provide early exposure to legal processes and courtroom etiquette.
MAXIMISE LINKEDIN STRATEGICALLY
LinkedIn is far more than a digital resume. Use it to both discover roles and expand your network:
• Turn on job alerts for relevant keywords;
SYSTEMATICALLY TRACK APPLICATIONS
Numerous UNSW students still secure Clerkships and Graduate Roles without ever working as Paralegals. Early legal employment is therefore an advantage, not a prerequisite. If you choose this route, start small, aim for steady progress, and treat every “no” as data, not defeat. Above all, perseverance, professionalism, and reflective improvement are the hallmarks of candidates who ultimately secure early roles and translate them into successful Clerkship and Graduate outcomes. MAINTAIN A HIGH WAM
Involvement in student societies, especially in leadership, events or sponsorship roles, builds transferable skills valued in legal practice. Organising panels, managing logistics, and coordinating with stakeholders mirrors the teamwork and client-focus of legal work. Where possible, quantify your contributions and draw on these experiences in applications and interviews to demonstrate initiative, organisation, and communication.
Employers value candidates who bring something distinctive to the table, so don’t abandon hobbies like sport, music or creative pursuits in the name of full legal immersion. These activities not only make for strong interview talking points but also act as crucial circuit breakers in what can otherwise be an overwhelming cycle of studying, working, and engaging in law-related commitments.
TRANSLATE NON-LEGAL EMPLOYMENT
Customer service roles reflect strong interpersonal and client-facing skills; managing rosters or handling peak-hour demands demonstrates time management and reliability; coaching or tutoring highlights communication and mentoring ability. Make these connections clear in your applications to show how your existing experience aligns with the demands of legal work.
UNSW LAW JOURNAL
Involvement with the esteemed UNSW Law Journal is extremely well-regarded by employers as it signals strong research, editing, and attention-todetail skills. Editor positions are especially valuable
APPLICATION STRATEGY
A successful job search combines curated student resources, mainstream job boards, profession-specific platforms, proactive outreach, and strategic networking. Paralegal roles, particularly those suitable for pre-penultimate students, are scarcely easily attainable, rather, are discovered through consistent effort across multiple channels. Below is a comprehensive approach grounded in what has proven effective for UNSW Law students.
START WITH UNSW'S INTERNAL CHANELS
Begin your search with UNSWConnect and the Faculty’s myLaw portal. These platforms frequently advertise Paralegal and Legal assistant roles directed specifically at undergraduates. Many of these vacancies are never listed on public job sites and offer part-time hours compatible with academic schedules.
SET ALERTS ON COMMERCIAL JOB SITES
Activate job alerts on platforms like GradConnection. Glassdoor, Seek, Indeed, and Jora, using keywords such as “ Paralegal”, “Legal Assistant”, and “Law Clerk”. Narrow your search to part-time, casual, or contract roles within a reasonable commuting distance. Timing is crucial; many smaller firms shortlist candidates as soon as strong applications arrive. Aim to apply within 24-48 hours of a listing going live.
• Engage with firm content to become visible to recruiters and legal professionals; and
• Optimise your profile with a clear headline, a professional headshot, and bullet points under each experience entry outlining specific responsibilities or achievements.
Critically, LinkedIn enables networking with UNSW Law alumni, Partners, Lawyers or Paralegals at firms of interest. Send a brief, and most importantly polite message requesting a short Zoom or coffee chat to hear more about their career path and the realities of their role. Prepare two or three questions in advance (e.g. “What do you think made your application stand out?”), and respect the time offered. Even if a job opportunity doesn’t arise directly, these conversations often yield referrals, resume tips, or future openings.
COLD EMAILING: TARGETED AND PROFESSIONAL
Cold outreach remains a valid and often overlooked strategy, particularly for boutique firms, sole practitioners, and Barristers' Chambers. However, UNSW Law students have also achieved success using this approach with mid-tier and even top-tier firms, when executed thoughtfully. To maximise its effectiveness:
• Build a list of firms whose work interests you;
• Address your email to a specific Solicitor, Principal, or Talent Acquisition Coordinator, avoiding generic greetings;
• Introduce yourself clearly. State your year, degree, and interest in the firm’s recent work or practice area;
• Attach a cover letter and resume;
Use a spreadsheet to log each organisation, date applied, follow-up and outcome. This prevents duplication, prompts timely follow-ups and reveals which tactics generate interviews.
FINAL WORD
BIG-6 PENULTIMATE PROGRAMS
WHAT ARE PRE-PENULTIMATE PROGRAMS?
Pre-penultimate programs are informative and interactive sessions run by leading Law Firms to introduce First, Second, and Third year law students to commercial law before their penultimate year, and ahead of Clerkship season.
They typically include firm overviews, interactive workshops, networking sessions, and practical skills training. Most importantly, they offer a valuable head start and a foot in the door in the legal industry, helping students build confidence, gain commercial awareness, and start forming connections with professionals in the field.
Below are some of the Pre-Penultimate opportunities offered by the Big 6.
Herbert Smith Freehills Pre-Penultimate Workshop
Application Date: October 2025
Year of Study: First, Second, Third year
Are you an ambitious first, second or third-year law student? Are you looking to get ahead in time for clerkships? Our one-day, pre-penultimate workshops are a chance to meet our lawyers, learn practical legal skills and experience life within a world-leading firm.
Allens Dive In
Application Date: April 2026
Year of Study: First year JD or Second, Third year LLB
Dive In is an introductory program that gives you an opportunity to get a head start on developing some of the core skills and experiences that you will gain during a clerkship, internship or as a paralegal at Allens. You’ll get a glimpse into a career in commercial law at a top tier firm. You’ll also get insight into the type of work you can expect details about our business and areas of practice, plus practical tips for preparing for work in the early stages of your career.
King & Wood Mallesons Insight Program
Application Date: Late 2025
Year of Study: First year JD or Third year LLB
The KWM Insight Program will give you the opportunity to gain skills, confidence and knowledge into life at King & Wood Mallesons. The program consists of 3 sessions: Panel Discussion (virtual), KWM in Practice (in-person), and Clerkship application insights and tips (in-person). Upon completion of the Insight Program you will have gained a solid understanding of a top-tier commercial law firm and gained exclusive insight into the recruitment process to help you feel prepared and confident when applying for clerkship positions. You will also become part of the Insight Program alumni.
Ahead at Ashurst
Program Date: 2 October 2025
Year of Study: First year JD or Second, Third year LLB
Are you looking to gain an insight into commercial law at a top tier global law firm? Ahead at Ashurst is an introductory program that provides you the opportunity to explore a career in commercial law with a leading firm. Uncover the intricacies of the work, delve into our business operations and practice areas, and receive practical advice to kickstart your career with confidence.
Clayton Utz Up-Close
Application Date: March 2026
Year of Study: First, Second, or Third year
If you're in your pre-penultimate year of study and want a behind the scenes look into life at one of Australia's leading law firms, this is the program for you. Our in-person program will support you in building practical skills and knowledge while you learn from senior leaders and recent graduates and discover the many ways you can build your future legal career with Clayton Utz.
MinterEllison Discover ME
Application Date: February 2026
Year of Study: First, Second, or Third year
Our Discover ME program is designed to provide pre-penultimate law students an opportunity to discover what it is like to work at MinterEllison. During the program you will be invited to attend three sessions (in person, at our offices in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane – depending on where you are based), where you will learn more about our practice groups, the way we work and our people, through attending panel events and participating in workshops
WHAT THE RECRUITERS SAY
Preparing to apply for a pre-penultimate program? We reached out to the early careers teams of leading commercial law firms to share their advice for students looking to make a strong impression. Here’s what they had to say:
Eleni Carkagis, Early Careers Consultant at MinterEllison, shares the following resume tips:
“To apply for Discover ME, you'll need to submit a copy of your resume and most recent academic transcript.
Below are our top tips for preparing a strong resume.
• Be concise – Keep your resume to 2 pages.
• Provide a clear structure, e.g. Contact, Details, Education, Employment history, Extra-curricular.
• Showcase all your experiences (not just legal roles) and list your experiences in reverse chronological order.
• Proofread your application – attention to detail is an important skill.
• Make it yours – Showcase your singular talents and experience. Shine a light on the interesting things you have done in your life – charity work, sporting teams, awards etc. This will add some colour to your application and help you stand out.”
Jessica Dale, Graduate Resourcing Consultant at Clayton Utz, offers the following advice:
“What does the CU Up-Close application process look like? The application process is simple and straightforward, we will ask you to complete an online application form and upload copies of your resume and a recent academic transcript. We will also ask you to complete a few application questions instead of submitting a cover letter. This is a great way for us to get to know you better and understand your motivations for applying. When answering these questions, it is important to read them carefully and take time to understand what is being asked of you.
• Doing your research: Make sure that you research our values, where we operate, key stakeholders, our client base, and any recent news about the firm. Use this information to tell us why you are specifically interested in participating in the program and how it aligns with your own long-term career aspirations. This shows us that you are well-informed and have a genuine interest in learning more about the firm.
• Preparing a stand-out application: As part of the application process, make sure that you include any relevant information which will help your application to stand out. This could include work experience (legal or non-legal), hobbies, volunteering experience, involvement in societies and competitions, or perhaps an international exchange program. Tell us about how these experiences have shaped your interest in law and any transferrable skills which you have gained.”
THE APPLICATION PROCESS DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LAWYER
