Clerkship
Recruitment Program
The Law Society of NSW Clerkship Recruitment Program is here to support final and penultimate year law students find out more about and apply for clerkship positions with participating legal employers.
Index:
Guidelines:
The Law Society of NSW Recruitment Program Guidelines are reviewed annually in consultation with legal firms and organisations and educational institutions with the aim of ensuring fairness and consistency in the making and acceptance of employment offers to students.
View the 2025 guidelines
2025 Clerkship Recruitment Program Key Dates
- Wednesday, 11 June – Applications for summer clerkships open at 9:00am.
- Sunday, 6 and Sunday, 13 July – Applications for summer clerkships close at 11:59pm.
- Wednesday, 10 September – Offers for summer clerkships can be made from 9:00am.
- Thursday, 11 September – Offers for summer clerkships must be accepted or declined by 1:00pm.
2025 Participating employers
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A&O Shearman A&O Shearman was formed in 2024 via the merger of two historic firms, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling. With nearly 4,000 lawyers globally, we are equally fluent in English law, U.S. law and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets. How to apply: Please provide your resume, responses to short questions and Situational Judgement Test. Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 8 weeks How many rotations are included? Two Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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Allens We are one of the largest law firms in Australasia, with more than 800 legal staff in offices across Australia and Asia. We specialise in handling complex and difficult transactions that require exceptional legal, negotiation, and project management skills. How to apply: You will need to provide us with a copy of your CV, cover letter, academic transcript and other supporting documents, such as your visa if applicable. We are the proud founding partner of Rare's Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) in Australia. The CRS is a ‘screen in’ tool, not a ‘screen out’ tool. Should you choose to participate in the survey, you can provide as much or as little information as you would like to. The People & Development team are the only people who see the data and it is treated with the strictest confidence. You will then be asked complete an online strengths-based assessment, through Cappfinity. Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 10 weeks - late November 2025 to early February 2026 How many rotations are included? Two five week rotations Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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Ashurst For over 200 years we have advised corporates, financial institutions and governments on their most complex transactions, disputes and projects. We offer the reach and insight of a global network, combined with the knowledge and understanding of local markets. How to apply: You'll be asked to upload a CV and academic transcript as well as complete several short answer questions. Our application lets you showcase your talent by sharing why you want to be a lawyer at Ashurst. Do you consider international students? No Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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Baker McKenzie Think Global, Think Baker McKenzie! How to apply: The summer clerkship application comprises: (a) a cover letter; (b) sections for you to include the details of your work experience, extra-curricular activities and interests; (c) sections for you to answer a few questions; and (d) a section for you to upload your academic transcripts. We do not request a copy of your CV and we do not ask you to complete any assessments or video interviews. Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: Approximately 11 weeks, from last week of November 2025 to 6 February 2026. How many rotations are included? Two rotations Applications close: Sunday, 6 July at 11:59pm
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Barry Nilsson For 60 years, Barry Nilsson has been shaping a better legal experience for our clients. Our Insurance & Health and Family Law, Wills & Estates practices combine the highest standards of industry knowledge with local expertise to provide our clients with service they can trust. How to apply: Please attach your resume, cover letter & academic transcript when applying via our careers site. Our application process includes one round of interviews, which run for an hour with structured questions. Do you consider international students? No Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? No Length of program: 4 weeks How many rotations are included? There are no rotations so that greater time can be spent in the one team leading to more in depth learning opportunities. Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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Bird & Bird A summer clerkship with Bird & Bird is much more than just work experience. It's an opportunity to discover your potential and kick start your career in law, taking you straight to the heart of a tech focused, global law firm. How to apply: All Summer Clerk applications require a copy of a resume, cover letter and academic transcript and be sent to sydsummerclerks@twobirds.com. There are a set of questions that can be accessed from our website that candidates will need Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: Our Summer Clerk program runs for 10 weeks - with a two week break over Christmas. How many rotations are included? Our Summer Clerk program has two four week rotations. Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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A summer clerkship at Clayton Utz will help you bridge the gap between law school and practice by giving you invaluable skills and knowledge to build a strong foundation for your legal career. How to apply: Candidates should apply via our website and follow the steps outlined in the application form. They will need to upload their resume and academic transcript, no cover letter is required. We ask that candidates ensure all questions on the form are answered with appropriate detail in order for the application to be considered. 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. We want people who embody the firm's behavioural values of trust, respect and co-operation and our foundation value of highest ethical standards in all that they do. When applying for our clerkship programs, candidates will be asked to complete our immersive online assessment and should ensure they have enough time and a quiet environment to complete the assessment. Following this, candidate will be invited into our office for a series of coffee chats, events, and interviews. Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? No Length of program: 11 weeks from 24 November 2025 to 6 February 2026 How many rotations are included? Two Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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Corrs Chambers Westgarth As Australia's leading independent law firm, we're known for delivering legal excellence, exceptional client service and outstanding results. 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. How to apply: Our application process for seasonal clerkships involves two steps. 1. Complete the application form: 2. Attend an interview: Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 11 weeks from Monday, 24 November to Friday, 6 February 2026 How many rotations are included? Three Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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DLA Piper DLA Piper is a global business law firm based in the Americas, EMEA and the Asia Pacific. We deliver legal services seamlessly, comprehensively and proactively and are widely recognized for our impressive accomplishments and stellar credentials. Through our skills, values and commitment, we are making a positive impact on our clients, our people and our communities across the world. How to apply: The first step is completing our application form to give us some key information about you. You will be asked you to submit a CV and your academic transcripts. Submitting a cover letter is optional. The next stage is an online strengths-based assessment. The final step is an in person interview in our office where you will meet with one or our Partners and Senior Associates. You will be invited to a networking event to learn more about the firm and meet more of our lawyers. Do you consider international students? No Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: Our clerkship programme is 8 weeks. You will complete two 4 week rotations either side of Christmas (Nov-Decand Jan-Feb). How many rotations are included? You will experience two 4 week rotations in our clerkship programme Applications close: Sunday, 6 July at 11:59pm |
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Gadens Gadens is a leading, independent Australian law firm, with a clear vision and strategy for the future. We help people achieve their purpose in a complex world, by leading by example, inspiring others, innovating and building something we are all proud of. How to apply: Please provide resume, covering letter, academic transcripts and responses to a set of questions. Candidates successful in the application phase will be invited to attend 2 rounds of interviews followed by a cocktail networking event prior to offer day. Do you consider international students? No Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 11 weeks including summer holidays (8 weeks onsite) How many rotations are included? Two rotations Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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Gilbert + Tobin How to apply: Following your online application form, you may be required to participate in a psychometric assessment, assessment centre or workshop, or one-on-one interview. Please refer to our website for more information. Do you consider international students? No Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 8-9 weeks How many rotations are included? Two four week rotations Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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Hall & Wilcox We are a leading Australian law firm, delivering outstanding legal services to corporate, public sector and private clients, both Australian-based and those offshore doing business in Australia. Our purpose is to enable our clients, our people and our communities to thrive. How to apply: Our application process includes written responses to set questions, uploading a copy of your academic transcript, video interviews, panel interviews and attending networking events. Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes How many rotations are included? You will be assigned to two practice groups over two rotations for your clerkship and have an allocated support network at all levels for guidance and support throughout your clerkship. Applications close: Sunday, 6 July at 11:59pm |
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Hamers Renowned for running many of Australia's high-profile harassment and discrimination cases, Harmers is one of Australia's largest employment/IR practices. We act for corporates (ASX 100 listed companies, SMEs, NFP and public sector) as well as CEOs and individual clients. How to apply: Complete the following application form and submit it together with a cover letter, CV, academic transcript and ATAR results to summerclerkship@harmers.com.au Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: December to mid February How many rotations are included? None Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm. |
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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals. As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. How to apply: Our application process includes the following: 1. Online Application: CV, Cover Letter, Academic Transcript, 3-5 questions 2. Information Evening: Meet your buddy, connect with HSF Kramer lawyers and partners, learn more about the firm 3. First Interview: One-on-one with a partner followed by a catch-up with your buddy 4. End of Interview Celebration: Reconnect with your buddy and interviewing partners 5. Offer! Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 8 weeks (November 2025 to January 2026) How many rotations are included? Two four week rotations Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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HFW Australia HFW is a global, collaborative law firm with deep expertise in Construction, Insurance, Shipping, Commodities, and more. We work with multinational clients, understanding their industries and communicating in their language. How to apply: Applicants are required to submit a CV along with responses to a set of questions. Successful candidates will then be invited to a phone screening with our HR representative, Melissa Howard. The final stage of the process includes an invitation to our networking nights, offering an opportunity to meet current employees and learn more about our firm. This will be followed by in-person interviews. For any questions regarding the application process, please contact Melissa Howard at melissa.howard@hfw.com. Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 1 December 2025 to 6 February 2026 How many rotations are included? Two Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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HWL Ebsworth HWL Ebsworth is a full service commercial law firm providing expert legal services at competitive rates, focusing on client outcomes. How to apply: Our application process includes the following: Stage 1: Application To apply for a Clerkship or Graduate program, you will be required to complete the online Application Form. Please attach a copy of your academic transcript and CV along with any additional supporting documentation that you would like us to consider. You will also be asked to answer several short-response questions. The information provided will allow us to obtain an overview of your skills, your previous experiences and your suitability for the Clerkship Program.
Our Talent team will review your application against several predefined selection criteria to allow each applicant the opportunity to be assessed equally and objectively.
This will encompass both individual and group-based activities designed to assess your analytical, problem solving, communication and leadership skills, and will run for approximately three hours. You will have the opportunity to meet with partners, solicitors and previous clerks of the firm
This stage will involve an individual interview with the selection panel to enable a final consideration of your knowledge and cultural alignment with HWL Ebsworth.
Successful candidates will be notified by our Talent team. Upon acceptance of a verbal offer, a written offer will be provided to the successful candidate. Do you consider international students? No Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? No Length of program: Four weeks How many rotations are included? None Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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Johnson Winter Slattery Johnson Winter Slattery (JWS) is a leading independent Australian law firm that specialises in advising major corporates and funds on their most complex transactions, disputes, and regulatory matters. JWS is recognised for its commercial expertise, strong client relationships, and global reach through collaborations with top-tier independent law firms worldwide. The firm is also deeply committed to social responsibility, with a strong focus on pro bono work and supporting diverse and disadvantaged communities across Australia. How to apply: Applicants are required to submit a resume, cover letter, academic transcript, and responses to a short online questionnaire. There are no psychometric tests or online assessments involved in the process. Do you consider international students? No Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes, while our clerkship program is primarily aimed at penultimate-year law students, we will consider final year applications if we have vacant positions in our graduate program following the clerkship. Length of program: Our Sydney clerkship program runs for 8 weeks, with a 2-week break over the Christmas/New Year period.2025/26 Clerkship Dates are - 24 November 2025 – 6 February 2026. How many rotations are included? The clerkship program in Sydney includes two practice group rotations. Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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Jones Day Jones Day has a history of 130 years, and a culture of client service and professionalism based on explicit shared values. These values include providing pro bono legal services, building diversity in our profession, and supporting outreach efforts around the world. 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. Jones Day’s lawyers in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney work together to ensure that client needs are met by securing the best teams for every matter, and by leveraging the strengths and experiences of our lawyers around the world. How to apply: Please provide your resume and cover letter. Do you consider international students? No Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 10 weeks How many rotations are included? None Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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K&L Gates At K&L Gates, we foster an inclusive and collaborative environment across our fully integrated global platform that enables us to diligently combine the knowledge and expertise of our lawyers and policy professionals to create teams that provide exceptional client solutions. How to apply: As part of your application, you will be asked to upload your academic transcript, a cover letter, and for you to provide answers to set questions before providing us with details about your work experience, education and extra-curricular activities. Successful applicants for interview will be notified by email. You will experience a two-stage interview process. Your first interview will be with one of our senior lawyers that are part of our recruitment team, as well as a member of our Human Resources team. The second interview is a group activity. Offers for a clerkship role will be made in accordance with the 2025 NSW Law Society guidelines. Do you consider international students? Yes, we consider international students on a case by case basis. If you are not an Australian citizen or do not have permanent residency, you will be asked to outline your visa status and Australian working rights in the application. Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 10 weeks How many rotations are included? Two five week rotations through two different practice groups. Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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King & Wood Mallesons As a KWM clerk, you will work as part of an inclusive and collaborative team. You will hear from leaders and industry experts during structured learning and development sessions. Our program will expose you to a variety of work that will help shape your future. How to apply: You don’t need to create a resume or cover letter to get a clerkship at KWM. Instead, we ask you to answer a series of questions so that we can get to know more about you - your hobbies and your interest in corporate or commercial law. You’ll also enter your university grades, work experience and any extra-curricular or volunteering experience - no psychometric testing or other assessments to worry about! Your application will undergo a blind review by members of our local recruitment committees, ensuring a fair and unbiased evaluation. Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: The KWM Sydney summer clerkship runs for approximately 11 weeks, from late November to early February. The official program start date will be confirmed once the local universities release their final exam timetables. How many rotations are included? A KWM Sydney summer clerkship includes 2 rotations of approximately 4 weeks each on either side of the holiday shutdown period. Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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Maddocks 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 Private Equity investors. How to apply: Our application process includes the following: 1. CV, Academic Transcript and Covering Letter 2. Online Assessment 3. Information Evening & Interview 4. Firm Networking Breakfast Do you consider international students? No Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? No Length of program: 12 months starting in March 2025 How many rotations are included? Three Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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McIntyre Legal McIntyre Legal is a leading boutique law firm specialising in Equity, Wills & Estates. We deliver high quality legal services to our clients, many of whom are judges, high-profile business executives, media personalities, lawyers as well as members of our community. We prioritise mentoring, training, and supporting our Summer Clerks to ensure they have the opportunity to experience what it is like practising as a solicitor in a high-performing law firm. We want you to love the law as much as we do. We are widely considered leading experts in Wills & Estates and are looking for Summer Clerks who share our desire to deliver high quality legal services. How to apply: There are four stages to our application process: Stage 1: Please email your resume, academic transcript, and cover letter to our Director, Anthea McIntyre: anthea@mcintyrelegal.com.au Stage 2: Suitable applicants will then be asked to prepare a brief case summary so that we can see your writing and analytical skills. Stage 3: Suitable applicants will then be invited to participate in an interview with the Director of the firm. Stage 4: Successful applicants will receive an offer. Do you consider international students? No Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: Our Summer Clerkship program runs for 8 weeks. How many rotations are included? Our Summer Clerkship program has two x 4-week rotations. The first rotation will be in Estate Planning. The second rotation will be in Dispute Resolution. Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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MinterEllison 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. Our purpose is to create sustainable value with our clients, our people and our communities. How to apply: Our clerkship recruitment process involves three main stages: 1. Application and games-based assessment Our online application form will ask you to submit your resume and most recent academic transcript. You’ll also be asked several key questions that are designed to help us understand you better. You will then be invited to complete a games-based assessment. Games-based assessments measure cognitive ability as well as emotional intelligence. It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete these assessments. 2. Video assessment If your application is shortlisted at the first stage, you‘ll be invited to complete a short-recorded video assessment.A video assessment is just like a video call, in which you’ll be asked pre-recorded questions. This assessment provides us with the opportunity to get to know you a little better, and also allows you to tell us what you can’t put into words on your resume and application. 3. Interview If your application and assessments are successful, you’ll be invited to attend an in-person interview at our Sydney office. Your interview is the perfect opportunity for us to learn more about you and what you are looking for in an employer. It’s also an opportunity for us to tell you about the firm and answer any questions you might have. Typically, you’ll be interviewed by two partners and a member of our Talent team. Do you consider international students? We accept applications from Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents. Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 10 weeks (including a 2-3 week break over the holiday season) How many rotations are included? Two Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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Morgan + English Founded in 2016, Morgan + English Commercial Lawyers is a growing boutique firm specialising in commercial law, with offices in Sydney and the Upper Hunter Valley. We foster a supportive, dynamic work environment where our team thrives. How to apply: Please apply by including a cover letter, current academic transcript and your resume. Do you consider international students? No Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: Our clerkship program is eight weeks durations four weeks in December and four weeks in January. Our Graduate program is 18 months long. How many rotations are included? Two |
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Norton Rose Fulbright Norton Rose Fulbright is a global legal practice. We provide the world's pre-eminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. How to apply: Please provide your resume, cover letter, and response to firm questions. Followed by a two stage in person interview process. Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 10 weeks How many rotations are included? Two Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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Thomson Geer Thomson Geer is a national corporate commercial law firm that has 720 staff servicing a wide variety of clients in private and public sector. We are growth focused and passionate about our clients and team. How to apply: Our process requires a cover letter, resume, transcript and 2 to 3 short answer questions . If you progress from there an interview will be conducted. Do you consider international students? Yes Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 8 weeks from late November until early February. How many rotations are included? Two rotations Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
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West Tamworth Legal West Tamworth Legal is a boutique generalist firm serving Tamworth and surrounds. Clerks will gain hands-on experience across Wills & Estates, Conveyancing, and Family Law. With varied matters daily, it's a dynamic environment where curiosity and initiative are valued. How to apply: Please provide your cover letter, resume, and short statements to express your interest: 1. What interests you about working in a firm like ours, particularly here in Tamworth? 2. Have you had any experiences - professional or personal - that connect you to regional communities? 3. What would a meaningful clerkship experience look like for you? 4. What kind of matters or areas of law are you most drawn to, and how do you see those aligning with the work we do? 5. Are you hoping to settle in regional NSW long term, or is this more of a stepping stone to gain first-hand experience? Either's fine - we are curious about your motivations. Do you consider international students? No Do you consider final year students in addition to penultimate? Yes Length of program: 8 weeks - dates to be negotiated between November and February. How many rotations are included? No rotations you will work across all sections of law as we are a generalist firm. Applications close: Sunday, 13 July at 11:59pm |
General Information
A legal clerkship is traditionally a summer program (though some private practice firms do offer a different seasonal placement) that provides you with a taste of working in a multi-disciplinary professional services firm.
For students who are hoping to work in private practice, a clerkship is an integral part of doing so. While a clerkship is not a prerequisite for working in private practice, it is a key stepping stone and the preferred method of recruitment for private practice firms as clerks are usually converted in to Graduates at the end of their program. It is important to note that while this is the most popular path to private practice it is not the only one.
Law firms that offer clerkship programs
The majority of mid and top tier law firms offer formal seasonal clerkship programs.Most boutique law firms will offer some kind of volunteering or internship opportunity. This is usually for PLT students, and they will look to hire at the graduate level instead.
Length of the program
Clerkships mostly range from 4-15 weeks but the number of weeks differs depending on the firm. The number of weeks may also alter year to year.
Program structure and aims, overview
The clerkship begins with an orientation, which can last up to two weeks, where students will be able to meet each other, their supervisors and the rest of their rotation groups. Students then begin their training under a specific department. The content of the program loosely follow:
- Being taught the tools necessary for professional growth and career advancement. Clerks have unlimited access to training and guidance and hence learn a great deal about the firm and how it conducts business.
- Gaining the opportunity to connect with people who can help guide careers. This also gives clerks the opportunity to build professional networks and interact with colleagues across divisions and regions.
- Receiving formal training followed by division- specific or department-specific training. This training is ongoing and based on specific skill needs and interests which will bolster professional development though learning in the workplace.
- Undergo formal evaluation procedures as a part of the firm’s annual Performance Review Process, which includes a self-assessment as well as input from peers, managers and internal business partners.
Work on offer
General tasks that clerks complete include:
- Performing legal and factual research
- Drafting and summarising legal documents, checking for accuracy
- Preparing correspondence, written reports and performing records research
- Organising and tracking case files
- Writing clients memos
- Recording client meetings and drafting daily correspondence, including letters and legal documents
- Attending meetings and court with lawyers
- Assisting in the preparation of matters for hearings
Details on rotations
As a summer clerk you’ll undertake a formal rotation between 2-3 practice areas so that you get exposure to a variety of work and learning opportunities. Common rotations include (but are not limited to):
- Commercial disputes
- Dispute resolution
- Public Law
- Family law
- Employment, workplace and safety
- Banking and finance
- Financial services
- Competition
- Insolvency
- Insurance
- Corporate, mergers and acquisitions
- Commercial
- Construction, property, real estate and projects
- Environment and planning
- Intellectual property
- Technology, media and telecommunications
- Tax
- Pro bono