As working together is a great way to get to know each other, we often fill many of our graduate positions through our vacation clerkship program. Each year, we offer a range of summer and winter clerkships in each of our Australian offices.

We also provide various opportunities throughout the year for you to meet with us on campus and at recruitment events.

CLERKSHIPS

Throughout our immersive clerkship program, you’ll receive hands-on practical experience and actively contribute to the team you’re collaborating with, as you work together to overcome some of the diverse challenges that they are facing.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of life at our firm and what your future could look like if you join us. Some key features of our clerkship include the opportunity to:

  • Sit within a specific team, delivering real work for key clients
  • Navigate the first step of your career with partner and graduate mentoring support
  • Attend workshops and presentations covering all our practice areas
  • Contribute to our pro bono practice
  • Work with cutting-edge technology through our innovation projects
  • Meet and network with people across the firm

Before you join the program, you can tailor your experience by submitting a preference for which team you’d like to collaborate with.

At the end of your clerkship, you will have the chance of being selected for a position in our graduate program.

“When I was applying for clerkships, the word on the grapevine was that Herbert Smith Freehills was a great firm at the top of its field, but in terms of culture, it was very serious. I began my clerkship with the expectation that that would be the case. My experience with the firm could not have been more different. From day one, I found everyone at the firm to be warm, welcoming and friendly. Of course, it is true that everyone takes their work seriously, but that is not at the expense of having a laugh and making the time for one another. I was particularly surprised by the amount of time that solicitors, senior associates and partners invest in junior team members.”

MOLLY MCINERNEY, 2018/19 VACATION CLERK

Key dates and deadlines

Take a look at the key application dates and deadlines for each city.

Please note: An application should only be submitted to the office where you intend to start your career as a graduate. Multiple applications will not be considered. We welcome applications for our Australian clerkship program from international penultimate year law students, provided that you have unrestricted legal working rights to work in Australia when you commence in your clerkship (including students on Student Visas).

Brisbane

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF POSITIONS

25-30

CLERKSHIP PROGRAMS

1 Summer & 1 Winter

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL 2023/24 PROGRAMS OPEN

17 July 2023

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL 2023/24 PROGRAMS CLOSE

 11 August 2023

CLERKSHIP OFFERS MADE

11 October 2023

Melbourne

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF POSITIONS

40 - 55

CLERKSHIP PROGRAMS

1 Summer & 1 Winter

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL 2023/24 PROGRAMS OPEN

3 July 2023

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL 2023/24 PROGRAMS CLOSE

13 August 2023

CLERKSHIP OFFERS MADE

From 10am 18 October 2023

Perth

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF POSITIONS

30 - 35

CLERKSHIP PROGRAMS

1 Summer & 1 Winter

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL 2023/24 PROGRAMS OPEN

26 June 2023

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL 2023/24 PROGRAMS CLOSE

30 July 2023

OFFERS MADE

15 September 2023

Sydney

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF POSITIONS

30 - 35

CLERKSHIP PROGRAMS

1 Summer

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL 2023/24 PROGRAMS OPEN

5 June 2023

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL 2023/24 PROGRAMS CLOSE

9 July 2023

OFFERS MADE

13 September 2023

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