Law Student Summer Clerkships
&
Law Graduate Traineeships
Law Graduate Program
Engaging today’s law students to create tomorrow’s leaders
Cornwalls recognises the important role the graduate program has to offer our firm. The Law Graduate program has been the entry point for many of our current partners, and it provides law graduates with a real experience: an opportunity to grow into a great lawyer, working alongside some of the best lawyers in town.
Our trainees will acquire real skills demanded from the very best lawyers. As a graduate, you will spend time in several different areas of practice, gaining valuable experience in client service, file management, time management, drafting and problem solving.
When a law graduate joins the firm, they will:
Law Graduate Program Dates
12 month Supervised Workplace Traineeships
Monday 17 March 2025 to Friday 20 March 2026
(All Melbourne graduate positions for 2025 have been filled)
Melbourne 2026 Positions
Application dates will be published soon.
We look for graduates with
- varied life experiences, including previous work experience (legal and/or non-legal) as well as outside interests
- a personable, engaging and driven approach
- a strong and consistent academics record, and an involvement in extra-curricular activities
- excellent communications skills, including language and interpersonal skills
- a creative mind and a passion for technology and innovative
- an understanding of the changing legal landscape.
Legal Traineeship Hot Tips
For Trainees By Trainees
Summer Clerkship Program (Melbourne)
Each year we offer a seasonal clerkship program that coincides with the summer university semester break. Our seasonal clerkship program gives law students the opportunity to experience life at Cornwalls.
After completing your clerkship with the firm, you will have the opportunity to express interest in being considered for a graduate role within the firm.
2025 Summer Clerkship Key Dates
Program Dates: Monday 17 November - Friday 19 December 2025
Applications open: Monday 7 July 2025
Applications close: Sunday 19 August 2025
Offers made: Wednesday 15 October 2025
Applicants are required to submit a covering letter, CV and academic transcript to careers@cornwalls.com.au
For further information, contact Talent & Culture at tc@cornwalls.com.au
Our Program Includes
- A four week placement
- A structured induction program
- Exposure to real work on real files - including drafting correspondence and documents; observing lawyers in meetings, conferences, mediations or at court; and undertaking research tasks
- An extensive support network, including an allocated mentor and buddy for guidance and support
- Participation in practice group training sessions, practical workshops and law graduate development sessions
- An opportunity to build your networks through meeting various partners and lawyers
Further enquiries can be directed as follows:
Brisbane
Email: careers@cornwallsqld.com.au
Sydney
Email: careers@cornwallsnsw.com.au
Let's hear from our Summer Clerks
I had the privilege of completing a summer clerkship at Cornwalls, where I undertook rotations in the Property and Banking & Finance team. This experience provided me with invaluable exposure to the daily operation of a commercial law firm.
During my time with the Property Team, I was able to review contracts regarding the sale of land, which helped me develop a keen understanding of the complexities involved in property transactions. I also conducted detailed research into relevant legislation and case law, applying this knowledge to support the team’s work.
In the Banking & Finance Team, I reviewed debt facility agreements and researched key provisions of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) to assist the team in providing advice to clients.
The lawyers in both teams were supportive and generous with their time, offering expert advice and practical guidance that significantly enhanced my learning experience. Their willingness to involve me in meaningful and challenging work made a lasting impact and reinforced my understanding of how collaborative and client-focused legal practice can be.
I would like to thank Cornwalls again for providing me with an unforgettable experience.
Submerging myself in the Cornwalls culture was both an enjoyable and invaluable experience. Not only did I complete a range of insightful tasks, I also had the opportunity to make meaningful connections with the people at Cornwalls.
I clerked in the Litigation and Property Teams, and during my time at Cornwalls I completed a diverse range of tasks including research memorandums, drafted various types of legal letters and documents, and interacted with clients. I also attended mediation and Federal Court appearances.
The tasks that I was assigned with allowed me to put my theoretical skills learnt from university into practice. I could not recommend the Cornwalls Seasonal Clerkship more highly.
The Cornwalls clerkship allowed me to participate and learn from two rotations during the program.
Rotating between the Banking & Finance Team and the Corporate Team, I was tasked with a range of diverse tasks including research work, drafting correspondence and liaising with key stakeholders. The teams allowed me to learn a great deal about practice at Cornwalls.
Every team I worked with, or staff member I was fortunate enough to meet, met me with a friendly smile and a genuine offer to help with questions I faced. Overall it was a great experience, and I would definitely recommend anyone that is interested to apply!
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