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 
• 2025 Clerkship Recruitment Program Dates 
• Participating Organisations 
• Information about Clerkship Positions 

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

	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 Apply
	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 Apply
	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 Apply
	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. 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 closed: Sunday, 6 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