Updating Results

Allens

4.6
  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Sydney Clerkship Program (Rolling Intake)

Location details

On-site

  • Australia

    Australia

    • New South Wales

      Sydney

Location

Sydney

Opening in 4 months

Opportunity details

  • Opportunity typeInternship, Clerkship or Placement
  • SalaryAUD 70,000 - 80,000 / Year
  • Number of vacancies30-50 vacancies
  • Application open dateApply by 14 Jul 2025
  • Start dateStart date Ongoing

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. We have also been named the top clerkship employer for 2023 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 Sydney 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 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 ten and five week clerkships in summer:

  • Ten week clerkship over summer.  This will give you the chance to experience two different practice groups.
  • Five week clerkship starting in either the first or second rotation. You will have the opportunity to work in one practice group.

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 and a junior lawyer, who will act as your 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.

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 Lisa Millar, Early Careers Manager. If you require adjustments to fully participate in our application process, please contact us at Student.Careers@allens.com.au. For further information, visit our website or email.

Work rights

The opportunity is available to applicants in any of the following categories.

Work light flag
Australia
Australian CitizenAustralian Permanent ResidentAustralian Work Visa (All Other)

Qualifications & other requirements

You should have or be completing the following to apply for this opportunity.

Degree or Certificate
Qualification level
Qualification level
Bachelor or higher
Study field
Study field (any)

Hiring criteria

  • Experience requirementNo experience required
  • Working rights
    Australian Citizen
  • Study fields
    Law, Legal Studies & Justice
  • Degree typesBachelor or higher
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Reviews

user
Graduate
Melbourne
6 months ago

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.

user
Graduate
Melbourne
6 months ago

Lack of communication regarding workflow

user
Graduate
Brisbane
6 months ago

In my team I am afforded a lot of opportunities to interface directly with clients and get involved in legal work.

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About the employer

Allens logo.jpg

Allens

Rating

4.6

Number of employees

1,000 - 50,000 employees

Industries

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.

Pros and cons of working at Allens

Pros

  • 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.

Cons

    • 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.