Clerkship Program (Oct 2023)

About Allens

Allens is a leading international law firm with a proud 200-year 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 in the Asian region, 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. Our alliance with Linklaters connects our clients and teams with an international network of legal leaders that spans 39 offices in 28 countries.

We value personal growth and career progression equally. Through our in-depth career coaching, focus on innovation, and international secondment program, we aim to create future leaders in the legal industry.

Our people go further to support our clients, using sharp commercial insight and creativity to enrich long‑standing relationships and build new ones. We go further for each other and our community. We’re people you want to work with: we're generous with our time and ready to help. No matter what the future holds, we’re in it together.

This year, our clerkship program has been ranked #1 intern program in law, and #6 overall for 2023 by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE). This ranking is determined through a survey of more than 1800 undergraduate students who completed internships in 2022 and 2023. Allens has also been recognised as a top law firm by Prosple Top 100 ranking and #1 law graduate employer by AAGE.

With us, you’ll be one step ahead. Great change is here. Are you ready?

Our clerkship program

For a head start in your career, apply for a clerkship in one of our Australian offices. You’ll work with some of the most experienced lawyers in Australia and encounter first-hand the type of work you could do as a lawyer at Allens. You’ll get to be part of a team, assisting with real matters. Your Supervisor, Performance Coach and Buddy will be there to support you, help you make the most of your clerkship, get to know our people, and thrive.

We believe that we stand out as an employer because of our high-quality technical training and excellent learning environment. We’ll work with you to develop your understanding of commercial law and build your skills, providing the foundation you need to become a successful lawyer. You’ll be involved in some of the market's most complex domestic and global transactions.

Our clerkship program is a stepping stone to bigger things – most clerks go on to become graduates with us. Here is a quick rundown of what you can look forward to:

• a personalised induction program that introduces you to our people and the work we do;
• on-the-job training with support from a partner, managing associate or senior associate and a junior lawyer, who will act as your supervisor, performance coach and buddy;
•  learning opportunities across practice areas and partners, as we don't work in silos;
• the chance to work on real matters with many of Australia's and the world's top 100 companies;
• the opportunity to get involved in community and pro bono work, and learn about our committees and interest groups;
• the chance to learn about working within our alliance with Linklaters and about secondment opportunities;
• seminars that will build a strong foundation of skills to help you become an excellent lawyer and thrive in our ever‑changing world;
• social events, where you will really get to know us; and
• the opportunity to network with some of the best in the profession.

Clerkship program dates 

We offer clerkship programs in each of our Australian offices: Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The dates of these clerkship programs will vary across each location. 

• Brisbane: We offer four-week clerkship programs in summer and winter to coincide with university holidays. You will work in one practice group for four weeks.
• Melbourne: We offer clerkship programs in one of three periods, two over summer and one over winter, to coincide with university holidays. During your clerkship you will work in one practice group for three weeks.
• Perth: We offer clerkship programs in one of three periods, two over summer and one over winter, to coincide with university holidays. During your clerkship you will work in one practice group for three weeks.
• Sydney: We run one 10-week summer clerkship program over the December/January university holidays. You will complete two rotations in different practice groups. During these rotations, you'll gain unique insight into the kind of work we do and the range of clients we work for. To allow students the flexibility they need, we also offer five week programs.

Pre-registrations are open to students who are in their penultimate and final year of their law degree.

Check the application period per region below:

• in Brisbane, opens on July 17 - 9 am Monday, and closes on August 11, 2023 - 11:55 pm (AEST)
• in Melbourne, opens on July 3 - 9 am Monday, and closes on August 14, 2023 - 11:55 pm (AEST) 
• in Perth, opens on June 26 - 9 am Monday, and closes on July 30, 2023 - 11:55 pm (AEST) 
• in Sydney, opens on June 5 - 9 am Monday, and closes on July 9, 2023 - 11:55 pm (AEST) 

At Allens, our culture is made up of unique backgrounds and varying life experiences. We celebrate our people's differences, including all genders and gender identities, sexual orientation, ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, peoples of colour, First Nations communities, and family and caring arrangements. 

We encourage pre-registrations from all backgrounds, so if you're excited about starting your career at Allens we encourage you to pre-register. If you would like to discuss further, contact us at student.careers@allens.com.au.

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