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Find out what it’s like to work at Maddocks. We are looking for talented and ambitious students to join our Clerkship programs in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.

The Clerkship

Our Clerkship program is the first step for students
seeking Graduate positions. Discover what you excel
at under guidance from seasoned professionals.

Experience & Responsibility

We give you the opportunity to shine in a supportive and collaborative team, led by accessible and friendly partners. Gain real-world experience through challenging and meaningful work for our clients.

Training & Development

The training you receive throughout the Clerkship will ensure you are thoroughly prepared and ready to get involved in and contribute to client work straight away.

Rotations & Feedback

During the program you will rotate through two practice teams based on your preferences. You will receive regular feedback and advice from your coordinator, supervising partner and others you work with, plus a formal review at the end of each rotation.

Clerkship program locations & key dates

  • Sydney

    Length of program: 11 weeks
    Eligibility:
    Applicants must be in their penultimate year of university through undergraduate law or the Juris Doctor program. They must also be Australian Citizens or Australian Permanent Residents.

    Sydney clerk program dates:
    Summer: 25 November 2024 – 7 February 2025

    *Applications now closed*

    Contact: Juliet David, Senior People & Culture Advisor – Early Careers [email protected] +61 2 9291 6319

  • Melbourne

    Length of program: 4 weeks
    Eligibility:
    Applicants can be in their penultimate or final year of university through undergraduate law or the Juris Doctor program. They must also be Australian Citizens or Australian Permanent Residents.

    Melbourne clerk program dates:
    Summer 1: 18 November 2024 - 13 December 2024
    Summer 2: 3 February 2025 - 28 February 2025
    Winter: 16 June 2025 - 11 July 2025

    *Applications now closed*

    Contact: Claire Kirwan, People & Culture Advisor - Early Careers [email protected] +61 3 9258 3003

  • Canberra

    Length of program: 11 weeks
    Eligibility:
    Applicants must be in their penultimate year of university through undergraduate law or the Juris Doctor program. They must also be Australian Citizens or Australian Permanent Residents.

    Canberra clerk program dates
    :
    Summer: 25 November 2024 – 7 February 2025

    *Applications now closed*

    Contact: Caroline Bachi, Senior People & Culture Advisor
    [email protected] +61 2 6120 4809

Application process

  • 1

    Submit your application

    Submit your CV, cover letter, academic transcript and respond to short answer questions.

  • 2

    Information evening

    Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an information and networking evening where you will find out more about Maddocks and network with our partners and staff.

  • 3

    The interview

    You will attend an interview with a Maddocks Partner and representative of Our People & Culture team.

  • 4

    Out cocktail evening

    The final event is a cocktail evening where you will get to network with Maddocks partners and staff and ask any final questions before offers go out.

Podcast: Day One Series

Lawyers Sam Ejtemai and Sophie Edgar discuss all things clerkship and commercial law related, as well as ask all the questions they wish they had the answers to from Day One.

Listen to the podcast

The Graduate program

Our Graduate program is the next step in your career at Maddocks. We carefully
select our clerks with the intention that they will become our graduate lawyers.

You will be mentored and supported at every stage of your career development.
This will enable you to develop both your technical legal skills and business
acumen on a diverse range of complex and interesting projects.

Our orientation program is designed to ensure you will be ready to settle into
your practice teams straight away. It consists of a practical legal training program
with Leo Cussen Centre for Law and a Maddocks induction program.

You will be allocated a buddy and coordinator to help you navigate your Graduate
year. You will rotate through three practice teams over 12 months, giving you the
opportunity to explore different areas and help find the right match for you.

Meet our recent Grads

  • Mathura Nadanakumar

    Mathura is a Lawyer in the Maddocks Employment, Safety and People team in our Melbourne office who completed the Clerkship and Graduate programs.

  • Julia Vinckx

    Julia is a Lawyer in our Public Law team at our Canberra office who completed the Clerkship and Graduate programs.

  • Rishi Chhugani

    Rishi is a Lawyer in our Commercial team in Sydney who completed the Clerkship and Graduate programs.

Application tips

  • Get to know us

    It is important to do your research to understand who our clients are, our practice areas, our culture and values.

  • Be prepared

    Take the time to prepare your application. Check spelling and grammar and ensure you have answered the questions that have been asked, attention to detail is critical.

  • Show us who you are

    Tell us about your experiences, your interests and hobbies outside of university and work, where you have demonstrated leadership and responsibility.

  • Develop your network

    Find out as much about us as you can, speak to our people, attend clerkship events and ask questions about things that are important to you.

Want to know more? Get in touch.

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