Melbourne
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 41 offices in 26 countries, and opportunities for our people to build international careers.
We have been recognised as the #1 law graduate employer by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE) and a top law employer by Prosple and GradConnection and the Australian Financial Review. Our clerkship program has recently been named Australia’s top internship (large program) by the AAGE.
We aspire to be the strategic legal adviser clients want to have by their side and people want to work for. Our people go further to support our clients, using sharp commercial insight and creativity to enrich long‑standing relationships and build new ones. And we go further for each other and for our community, working to make ourselves and each other the best we can be. We’re people you want to work with – generous with our time and ready to help. No matter what the future holds, we’re in it together.
Our clerkship program
For a head start in your career, apply for a clerkship in our Melbourne office. 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.
We offer clerkship programs in one of three periods: two over summer and one over winter. Each of these periods coincide with Victorian university holidays. During your clerkship you will work in one practice group for three and a half weeks, giving you a consistent experience and invaluable insight into what we do and the clients we work for.
Our clerkship program is a steppingstone to bigger things – most clerks go on to become graduates with us. Here is a quick rundown of what you can look forward to:
At Allens, our culture is made up of unique backgrounds and varying life experiences. We celebrate our people's differences across gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, cultural backgrounds, First Nations communities, and family and caring arrangements.
Applications are open to students who are in their penultimate and final year of their law degree.
Please address your application to Adele Wawra, Early Careers Executive. If you require adjustments to fully participate in our application process, please contact us at Student.Careers@allens.com.au. For further information on the clerkship position, visit our website or email us.
I have done a variety of legal work whilst here. This has included being directly involved in contractual negotiations (and corresponding amendments), drafting and finalising semi-contractual documents (notices, letters, annexures etc.), providing legal advices and some non-legal work such as business development.
Lack of communication regarding workflow
In my team I am afforded a lot of opportunities to interface directly with clients and get involved in legal work.
4.6
1,000 - 50,000 employees
Law
Allens is a leading international law firm with a proud heritage of shaping the future for our clients, people and the communities in which we work.
Great training, large teams, larger matters, great exposure to the market early in career.
The people are very down to earth and fun but incredibly intelligent at the same time.
The work is also diverse and intellectually stimulating.
Allens invests a lot of time and resources into training its junior lawyers... providing 'on the job' training.
A supportive work environment, which supports individuals to take responsibility for their own careers.
Pay is lower than comparable firms.
The hours can be long during busy periods and once you're off the Legal Services Award.
Hierarchy.
The unsteady workflow.
The standard of work and reputation of the firm is very high which can feel crushing and overwhelming.