Vacation clerkships

About the clerkships
 Are you an penultimate-year or final-year law student? Our vacation clerkships are a fantastic insight into life at a world-leading commercial firm, offering close mentorship, client experience, and the chance to work on real-world projects, cases and deals. Many of our graduate positions are filled by vacation clerkship students so this is a great chance to get ahead in your career.
What you'll do
 During our immersive clerkship program, you’ll gain hands-on experience within one of your preferred teams. You’ll contribute to our pro bono practice, work with cutting-edge technology through our innovation projects, and deliver real work for prestigious clients. You’ll also enjoy close graduate and partner mentorship support and a chance to form networks with future colleagues. At the end of your clerkship, you’ll have a chance of being selected for a position in our graduate program.
img1
“I felt HSF appreciated my different experiences and found that the other clerks and people at HSF were such a diverse bunch, some similar to me. I had a rather scary image in my head of what a big commercial law firm looked like, so I was surprised to find that, everyone at HSF - and I mean everyone from HR, the lawyers, admin staff, IT support, knowledge support, to client services - were all so supportive, strikingly warm, and caring.”
 Sara Komatsu, 2022/23 Vacation Clerk

Key dates

Please see below for the application dates for the city you intend to apply to (multiple applications will not be considered). We welcome applications from international penultimate-year and final-year students, providing that you can live and work legally in Australia by the time of your clerkship.

Please only apply to the office where you intend to start your graduate career.

​​​​​​​Our vacation clerkships and graduate programs are available in the following cities. Please only apply to the office where you intend to start your graduate career.
Brisbane Each year we offer 25-30 summer and winter vacation clerkships. Applications for 2024/2025 programs open 15 July 2024 - 11 August 2024; offers are made on 9 October 2024.
Melbourne Each year we offer 60-70 summer and winter vacation clerkships. Applications for 2024/2025 programs open 1 July 2024 - 11 August 2024; offers are made on 16 October 2024.
Perth Each year we offer 30-35 summer and winter vacation clerkships. Applications for 2024/2025 programs open 24 June 2024 - 28 July 2024; offers are made on 13 September 2024.
Sydney Each year we offer 30-35 summer and winter vacation clerkships. Applications for 2024/2025 programs open 10 June 2024 - 14 July 2024; offers are made on 11 September 2024.

Benefits

Graduate mentoring Support Navigate the first step of your career with partner and graduate mentoring support
Workshops Attend workshops and presentations covering all our practice areas
Pro bono practice Contribute to our pro bono practice
Technology
 Work with cutting-edge technology through our innovation projects
Network
 Meet and network with people across the firm

How to apply

Online application
 Your application should include a cover letter, CV and recent copy of your academic transcript. We’ll also ask you a few questions about your interest in Herbert Smith Freehills and commercial law.
Optional diversity questionnaire Herbert Smith Freehills is proud to use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System (CRS). The CRS allows us to understand each applicant’s achievements in the context that they have been gained. We understand that not every candidate’s achievements look the same on paper – and we want to recruit the best people, from every background.
Online questionnaire Shortlisted candidates will be invited to sit an online psychometric questionnaire to assess how you like to work and where your strengths lie. We recommend answering as quickly and honestly as you can. 
Attend an information event Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an information and networking event to get to know us, ask questions and start to connect with Herbert Smith Freehills graduates, lawyers, and partners.
Interview The interview is a chance for us to get to know you and your reasons for wanting to work at Herbert Smith Freehills. Our preference is face-to-face and we can accommodate video interviews where needed. The interview is intended to be a two-way process and provides an opportunity for you to see what it would be like to work with us, as well as for us to get to know you. 
Adjustments
 As part of our Global Adjustments Commitment, we are committed to the inclusion of all individuals participating in the application and interview process. This includes providing tailored reasonable accommodations to those who require them. You can request accommodations at each stage of the assessment process. If you would prefer to discuss beforehand, please reach out to your local Graduate Recruitment Consultant.