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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 and be sent to sydsummerclerks@twobirds.com. 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |