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.
2025 recruitment 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.
View the 2025 guidelines
2025 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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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. |
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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. |
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Baker McKenzie Think Global, Think Baker McKenzie! |
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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 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. |
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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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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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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Harmers Workplace Lawyers 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. |
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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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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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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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. |
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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 are widely considered leading experts in Wills & Estates and are looking for Summer Clerks who share our desire to deliver high quality legal services. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |