Clerkship
Recruitment
What is a clerkship?
A legal clerkship is traditionally a structured rotation program that provides students with an opportunity to obtain valuable hands on experience working in a law firm.
These programs usually take place over summer (though some firms do offer a different seasonal placement) and enable you to gain exposure and work experience across a broad range of practice areas. Students who participate in clerkships develop a greater understanding of employment opportunities and legal experience whilst adding to their resumes.
A further benefit is that you may be offered a graduate or casual/part-time paralegal position upon completion of your clerkship. It is therefore wise to apply for clerkships if you plan on going into private practice, however it is important to note that clerkships are not the only option.
To be eligible for a seasonal clerkship you must be in the penultimate year of your degree. Some exceptions may apply, however it is best to contact the firm you are applying to if you are planning to apply outside your penultimate year.
The Law Society of NSW Clerkship Recruitment Program:
Annually, the Law Society of NSW, in consultation with legal employers and educational institutions across NSW, sets dates and guidelines for legal clerkship recruitment. The aim of these guidelines is to provide fairness and consistency in the making and acceptance of employment offers to students.
2026 recruitment dates:
- Wednesday, 10 June – Applications for summer clerkships open at 9:00am AEST.
- Sunday, 5 and Sunday, 12 July – Applications for summer clerkships close at 11:59pm AEST.
- Wednesday, 9 September – Offers for summer clerkships can be made from 9:00am AEST.
- Thursday, 10 September – Offers for summer clerkships must be accepted or declined by 1:00pm AEST.
View the 2026 guidelines
Participating employers
The below employers are those participating in the Law Society's Clerkship Recruitment Program in alignment with the above dates and guidelines. Please note that other employers may offer clerkship programs outside of these.
|
|
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. Application process: Applicants are required to upload their resume, current academic transcript and answer a series of short answer questions. We ask that you don’t submit a cover letter. Do you consider international students? Yes. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? 10 weeks. How many rotations are included in your program? Our summer clerkship includes two rotations plus the opportunity to spend a week in one of our Asia or U.S. offices. |
|
|
Allens As a leading international law firm, we have a long and proud heritage of shaping the future for our clients, our people and the communities in which we work. From playing a pioneering role in the development of legislation and regulatory frameworks, to acting on numerous 'firsts' across a range of industry and community issues, it is in our DNA to make a difference and help shape what our world looks like. |
|
 |
Ashurst As one of the world's leading global law firms, our story is one of change and progress. A clerkship at Ashurst will provide you with the opportunity to do real work, receive professional development and dedicated support to start your career. Application process: You'll be asked to upload a CV and academic transcript as well as complete several short-answer questions. The next step is to complete an online assessment. The final stage is two interview rounds. The first round is with a Partner and a member of People and Culture. The second round is with a Partner and Senior Associate. Do you consider international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? 10 weeks for our clerkship and 12 months for our graduate program. How many rotations are included in your program? Two rotations as a clerk. |
|
|
Baker McKenzie Think Global, Think Baker McKenzie! Baker McKenzie invented the global law firm – so we’re different in the way we think, work and behave. We are made up of 13,000+ diverse people from different cultures and backgrounds, and our differences are celebrated and respected. Application process: 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. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? Approximately 11 weeks, from 23 November 2026 - 5 February 2027 How many rotations are included in your program? Two rotations. Does your firm provide any opportunities for PLT? Yes. Our firm covers the cost of Practical Legal Training (PLT) and provides support to balance PLT study requirements with work commitments. |
|
 |
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. Application process: Resume, Cover Letter & Academic Transcript attached when applying via our Careers site. One round of interviews, which run for an hour with structured questions. Do you consider international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? No. What is the length of your program? 4 weeks (2 groups, one each side of Christmas) How many rotations are included in your program? No rotations. As a vacation clerks, you will gain exposure to a broad mixture of work in our Insurance & Health team. |
|
 |
Bird & Bird Bird & Bird is an international law firm with a focus on helping organisations being changed by technology and the digital world. Application process: All Summer Clerk applications require a copy of a resume, cover letter and academic transcript to be emailed to us. There are a set of questions that can be accessed from our website that candidates will need to answer. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview with a Partner, Senior Lawyer and HR. Do you consider international students? Yes. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? Our Summer Clerk program runs for 10 weeks - with a two week break over Christmas. How many rotations are included in your program? Our Summer Clerk program has 2 x 4 week rotations. |
|
 |
Clayton Utz 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. |
|
|
Clifford Chance Clifford Chance is a Magic Circle firm headquartered in the UK with 30+ offices across the globe & over 6,000 staff members worldwide. Domestically, we have a team of around 100 fee-earners and partners across our Sydney and Perth offices. Application process: We require you to submit a CV, transcript and cover letter. There will also be three screening questions that are behavioural and competency based. Applications are screened by our team, and you will undergo two interviews, including meeting with HR, Partners and other team members. We will be looking for people with a genuine interest in Clifford Chance. Prepare, have examples/anecdotes to go with 'standard' interview questions, and showcase your individual contributions. Concentrate your answers on transferable skills as we don’t expect you to have had extensive experience, but we will look to see where/how you can apply some of the fundamental skills you’ve learned from your studies and extra-curriculars. Most importantly, be yourself. A genuine interview will always come across much better than a script of what you think we want to hear! Do you consider international students? Yes. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? The Sydney clerkship will run for 10 weeks across November 2026 – February 2027. How many rotations are included in your program? Two. |
|
|
Corrs Chambers Westgarth Corrs Chambers Westgarth is Australia’s leading independent law firm. We’re known for delivering legal excellence, exceptional client service and outstanding results. We’re the firm of choice for many of the world’s most significant organisations – from large corporations to governments, banks and financial sponsors. At Corrs, you’ll enjoy the benefits of working alongside a high performing team in a culture defined by excellence, collaboration, commitment and respect. Do you consider international students? Yes. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. How many rotations are included in your program? Three. |
|
 |
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 recognised 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. Application process: 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 and short video interview. 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. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? Our clerkship programme is 8 weeks. You will complete two 4 week rotations either side of Christmas (Nov-Dec and Jan-Feb). How many rotations are included in your program? You will experience two 4 week rotations in our clerkship programme. |
|
 |
Gadens Gadens is a leading Australian law firm with over 100 partners and more than 600 staff across offices located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. With our history dating back to 1847, our vision is to be a preeminent, independent firm renowned for providing outstanding client service, innovative solutions and value. Application process: 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. Do you accept international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? Seasonal clerks will spend their eight weeks in two practice teams, providing them with an opportunity to participate in meaningful client work alongside our people. You will be supported by a dedicated Mentor and receive valuable feedback both during and at the conclusion of your Clerkship. How many rotations are included in your program? Within the 8 week program clerks will have the opportunity to rotate through two practice groups. |
|
 |
Gilbert + Tobin Work at the forefront of profound changes in our society and economy with smart people who value your ideas and perspective, and be part of a network that's building Australia's best corporate law firm. #OpportunityStartsHere Application process: Following your online application, you may be required to participate in a psychometric assessment, assessment centre or workshop, and/or a one-on-one interview. Please refer to our website for more information. Do you accept international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? 8-9 weeks from late November 2026 to early February 2027 with the exact dates to be confirmed. How many rotations are included in your program? 2x rotations of 4 weeks. |
|
 |
Hall & Wilcox Hall & Wilcox delivers 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. Application process: Written application - cover letter, responses to a set of questions, CV, academic transcript Video interview 1-2 face-to-face interviews Do you accept international students? Yes - need full Australian working rights. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? 8 weeks. How many rotations are included in your program? Two 4-week rotations. |
|
|
Harmers Workplace Lawyers Leading specialist employment law firm servicing clients nationally and internationally as the Australian L&E Global member firm. We take a holistic approach to the law, representing corporates and individuals, ranging from advisory work to litigation, as well as running test cases. Application process: We invite penultimate and final year LLB or JD students to apply by submitting a tailored cover letter, your resume and latest academic transcript. Successful candidates will be contacted to participate in our assessment process. The first round involves undertaking a written exercise. Successful first round candidates will then be invited to our final round, which will involve an in-person interview at our office with one of our senior legal team members and our HR Manager, as well as an opportunity to meet with one of our more recently admitted lawyers to learn about day-to-day life as part of our team and ask any questions. Do you accept international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? Approximately 8 weeks. How many rotations are included in your program? 1. |
|
 |
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. Application process: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s clerkship program offers students the opportunity to experience life at a leading international law firm through meaningful work, hands‑on learning and support from our people. Our application process involves submitting a resume and answering set questions, followed by interviews commencing from the key recruitment dates set by the Law Society of NSW. The program provides valuable exposure to our practice areas, client work and firm culture. Do you accept international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? End of November to end of January. How many rotations are included in your program? 2. |
|
|
HFW HFW is a sector-focused global law firm with a focus on construction, shipping, aerospace, commodities, corporate & commercial and insurance. We have over 700 lawyers working across Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. With a progressive approach to our roles in commercial business, thinking creatively and pragmatically to support our clients, we are dynamic, entrepreneurial and leaders in our specialist areas. Application process: Applicants for our clerkship program will begin by completing a series of short-answer questions and submitting their CV, cover letter and academic transcript through our dedicated careers page. Candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for a phone screening. Those who progress further will be invited to attend a networking evening, followed by in-person interviews. Do you accept international students? Yes. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? 8 weeks. How many rotations are included in your program? 2. |
|
|
HWLE Lawyers We invest in our people from the very beginning of their careers. As a dynamic and forward-thinking firm, we are committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive professionally and personally. Our merit-based structure provides clear pathways for growth, enabling talented individuals to progress from graduate level through to partnership. With more than 2000 people, including over 280 partners, across offices in every Australian state and territory, we offer a truly national platform. Our diverse client base - from small businesses to ASX-listed companies - ensures that junior lawyers gain unparalleled exposure to complex and varied matters, building confidence and capability early in their careers. We foster a culture that values excellence, collaboration and balance, ensuring our people are supported to succeed, connected across teams and inspired to achieve their full potential. |
|
|
Johnson Winter Slattery Johnson Winter Slattery is a leading Australian law firm advising corporates and funds on complex transactions, disputes, and regulatory matters. As an independent firm, decisions are made locally in the best interests of clients and lawyers. We build strong, long-term relationships and are known for being pragmatic and commercial. With over 500 people across Australia and strong global connections, we offer exposure to high-quality cross-border work. Application process: Do you accept international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? No. What is the length of your program? Eight to ten-week clerkship program that includes two practice group rotations. How many rotations are included in your program? 2. Does your firm provide any opportunities for PLT? Yes |
|
 |
Jones Day The Jones Day Summer Clerk Program immerses law students in real legal work, offering research, drafting, court exposure and mentorship alongside associates and partners, plus training, social events, and cross-practice experience to develop practical skills and insight into firm life. Application process: Applicants are required to provide their resume, academic transcript, and cover letter. Jones Day will conduct first and second round interviews. Do you consider international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? 8 weeks. How many rotations are included in your program? Non-rotational program. |
|
 |
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. Application process: 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 accept 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 Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? 10 weeks. How many rotations are included in your program? Two 5 - week rotations through two different practice groups. |
|
 |
Lander & Rogers Lander & Rogers is a leading independent Australian law firm, comprising over 700 people including 109 partners. We believe that legal services involve more than just the law - practical, commercial advice and exceptional client experience are equally important. Application process: Step 1: Submit resume, cover letter and academic transcript, and complete the application form. Step 2: Selected candidates will be asked to complete psychometric testing. Applicants will receive personalised feedback on completion of the assessment. Step 3: Interview with a senior lawyer and People team member. Step 4: Offers extended to successful candidates, in accordance with Law Society guidelines. Do you consider international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? 11 weeks. How many rotations are included in your program? 2 rotations. |
|
|
Mallesons As a Mallesons 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. Application process: Our process involves a self-contained application form where you will answer short written questions and provide information that is commonly found in a CV, like employment history, education, and extra curricular interests. You will need to upload a copy of your current transcript with your application. Do you accept international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? Approximately 12 weeks, from the end of November to the beginning of February. Dates are TBC when exam timetables are finished. How many rotations are included in your program? 2. |
|
|
McIntyre Legal With more than $3.5 trillion in wealth due to be transferred to Australians over the next 20 years, lawyers with expertise in succession law and estate litigation are in high demand. Would you like the opportunity to experience life as an estate lawyer including attending client meetings, drafting legal documents, legal research, and attending Court? We can help you launch your career in the law. Application process: Stage 1: Send us your resume, cover letter and academic transcript. Stage 2: Selected candidates will participate in a 15-minute interview (by video). Stage 3: Selected candidates will then be asked to prepare a simple case summary (1-2 pages). Stage 4: Selected candidates will then be asked to attend our office for a second (in person) interview. Stage 5: Successful applicants will receive an offer. Do you accept international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? Six weeks (with the possibility of a longer clerkship if University timetable permits.) How many rotations are included in your program? 2. |
|
|
Norton Rose Fulbright Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law firm. We provide the world's pre-eminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. Application process: You will be required to provide a copy of your CV, Cover Letter and Academic Transcript. Do you accept international students? Yes. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? Eight weeks. How many rotations are included in your program? Two four week rotations. Does your firm provide any opportunities for PLT? Yes. |
|
 |
NSW Department of Communities and Justice The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is recognised as Australia’s most attractive public sector employer in 2025. A clerkship at DCJ Legal provides an invaluable opportunity to work alongside government solicitors responsible for the delivery of in-house legal services. Application process: Applicants will need to submit a cover letter, resume and their most recent academic transcript. Our recruitment panel will invite shortlisted candidates to attend an interview. Shortlisted candidates may also be required to complete various assessment tasks. Do you accept international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? The program typically runs from November until June of the following year, i.e. 8 months. However, we can accommodate a later start date if – for example – a law clerk has university exams in November/December. How many rotations are included in your program? This varies each year. There are up to six practice groups at DCJ Legal that may participate in the clerkship program. |
|
 |
Thomson Geer Thomson Geer is one of Australia's largest independent law firms. Our team are known for delivering outstanding legal skills and service; achieving commercial goals for clients; and a commitment to the highest cultural and ethical standards. Application process: 1. Initial Application: resume, cover letter, transcript & 2 short answer. 2. Video Interview: 4-5 set questions with multiple chances to record. 3. Partner Interview: interview with 2 Partners in-person. 4. Information Evening. Do you accept international students? No. Are final year students, in addition to penultimate, considered? Yes. What is the length of your program? 8 weeks. How many rotations are included in your program? 2. |