Melbourne 2023/24 Clerkship Program

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 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 (November/December 2023 and January/February 2024) and one over winter (June/July 2024). 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:

• a personalised induction program that introduces you to our people and the work we do;
• on-the-job training with support from a partner, senior lawyer and 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.

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. 

Applications will close at 11:55pm (AEST) on Sunday, 13 August 2023.

Please address your application to Melissa Lim, Early Careers Consultant. If you require adjustments to fully participate in our application process, please contact us at [email protected]. For further information on the clerkship position, visit our website or email us.