Other pathways
Explore internships, paralegal pathways, placements and other ways into legal practice.
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2 open now · 1 closing within 14 days
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38 programs
- Applications open:
- 12 October 2026
- Applications close:
- 8 November 2026
The Mallesons Insight Program is for pre-penultimate year law students. Students graduating in 2028 apply for the 2027 program. It…
More about this program
The Mallesons Insight Program is for pre-penultimate year law students. Students graduating in 2028 apply for the 2027 program. It begins with a virtual panel in March 2027, followed by in-person sessions in each location. It runs in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Applications opened on 12 October 2026 and close on 8 November 2026. Each office has a separate application link.
- Eligibility
- Pre-penultimate year students. Students graduating in 2028 apply for the 2027 program.
- Runs
- 2027 Insight Program; virtual panel in March 2027
- Recorded cycle
- 2026/27
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- 16 October 2026
- Applications close:
- 30 April 2027
The Hall & Wilcox First Nations Pathway Program is for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander law students who are Australian…
More about this program
The Hall & Wilcox First Nations Pathway Program is for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander law students who are Australian permanent residents. No prior experience is needed. The program offers two paid internships each year. Each internship runs for four weeks, starting in November or June. The firm has not published the rate of pay. Places are offered nationally. Applications opened on 16 October 2026 and close on 30 April 2027 for four-week internships in November 2026 or June 2027.
- Eligibility
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander law students who are Australian permanent residents. No prior experience needed.
- Runs
- Four-week internships November 2026 or June 2027
- Pay
- Paid. Amount not published
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- 26 March 2027
- Applications close:
- 18 April 2027
The Attorney-General's Department hosts paid interns in Canberra through the Stepping Into program. The program is for penultimate and final…
More about this program
The Attorney-General's Department hosts paid interns in Canberra through the Stepping Into program. The program is for penultimate and final year university students with disability. Students must be registered with their university disability service. The program is not limited to law students. The winter program runs from July to September. The Australian Disability Network manages applications and sets the application dates. The department has not published the pay rate.
- Eligibility
- University students with disability, registered with their university disability service, in penultimate or final year.
- Runs
- AusDN winter internships July–September 2027; AGD host participation / role availability to be checked
- Pay
- Paid. Paid (rate not published)
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Applications accepted throughout the year
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The ACT Supreme Court keeps a rolling associate register. Applications stay current for one year from receipt. Individual chambers also…
More about this program
The ACT Supreme Court keeps a rolling associate register. Applications stay current for one year from receipt. Individual chambers also advertise their own positions. Justice White's associate expression of interest closed on 8 July 2026. Applicants need a law degree at or near completion before starting, a strong academic record and research skills. Associates generally work on a 12 month contract. Some are extended for a further year as senior associate.
- Eligibility
- Law degree at or near completion before starting, strong academic record and research skills.
- Runs
- Available during 2027, subject to vacancies or placement capacity
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The ACT Government Solicitor offers practical legal training placements on request. They are for law graduates in the ANU College…
More about this program
The ACT Government Solicitor offers practical legal training placements on request. They are for law graduates in the ANU College of Law Legal Workshop or the College of Law practical legal training program. There is no fixed application window. Applicants email a Request for Placement form to the office. The office publishes no seasonal clerkship or structured graduate program. It engages law students and graduates as paralegals when vacancies exist.
- Eligibility
- Law graduates in the ANU College of Law Legal Workshop or the College of Law PLT program.
- Runs
- Available during 2027, subject to vacancies or placement capacity
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- March 2027 (published)
- Applications close:
- April 2027 (estimated)
Allens Dive In is an introductory program for pre-penultimate law students. It is open to students in the second or…
More about this program
Allens Dive In is an introductory program for pre-penultimate law students. It is open to students in the second or third year of an undergraduate law degree, or the first year of a JD. It runs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Applications open in March for a program held in May. The next program is in May 2027. Allens has not published exact dates for 2027.
- Eligibility
- Pre-penultimate law students: second or third year undergraduate law, or first year JD.
- Runs
- Dive In held May 2027
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
Attorney-General's Department (Commonwealth)
Attorney-General's Department Jump Start
Pathway program · ACT
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
Jump Start is an early start arrangement run by the Attorney-General's Department in Canberra. It is open only to incoming…
More about this program
Jump Start is an early start arrangement run by the Attorney-General's Department in Canberra. It is open only to incoming graduates who have accepted a place in the department's graduate program. Participants take short term APS Level 3 contracts, part time or full time. Roles start in October or November, before the graduate program begins in February. There is no open application round. The department offers places to its incoming graduate cohort.
- Eligibility
- Incoming AGD graduates.
- Runs
- October–November 2026 early start before 2027 graduate year
- Pay
- Paid. APS Level 3
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- April 2027 (published)
- Applications close:
- April–May 2027 (estimated)
The Clayton Utz Career Launch Program is an unpaid learning and networking program. It is for pre-penultimate LLB or JD…
More about this program
The Clayton Utz Career Launch Program is an unpaid learning and networking program. It is for pre-penultimate LLB or JD students at an Australian university. It runs in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The program starts with kick-off events around May and ends with a wrap-up around October or November. The 2026 round took applications from 16 March to 10 April 2026. Applications for 2027 are expected to open in April 2027.
- Eligibility
- Pre-penultimate LLB or JD students at an Australian university.
- Runs
- 2027 Career Launch program
- Pay
- Unpaid
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- October 2026 (published)
- Applications close:
- November 2026 (estimated)
The Clayton Utz First Nations Traineeship is a six-month paid traineeship. It is for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students…
More about this program
The Clayton Utz First Nations Traineeship is a six-month paid traineeship. It is for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who are accepted by their community. Applicants must be in the pre-penultimate year of a relevant degree at an Australian university. Trainees must be available one to three days a week. It runs in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Applications for 2027 open in October 2026. Exact dates and pay are not published.
- Eligibility
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students accepted by their community, in the pre-penultimate year of a relevant degree at an Australian university, available one to three days a week.
- Runs
- 2027 First Nations traineeship
- Pay
- Paid. Amount not published
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
Crown Solicitor's Office (NSW)
Crown Solicitor's Office (NSW) student paralegal pathway
Paralegal pathway · NSW
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The NSW Crown Solicitor's Office employs law students as paralegals while they complete their degree. It is not a formal…
More about this program
The NSW Crown Solicitor's Office employs law students as paralegals while they complete their degree. It is not a formal structured program. Roles are advertised as they become available, so there is no fixed application window. The office says many of its paralegals go on to apply for its Graduate Development Program. That program is open to lawyers once they are admitted. Students should watch the office's careers page for advertised paralegal roles.
- Eligibility
- Law students completing their degree.
- Runs
- Available during 2027, subject to vacancies or placement capacity
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- February 2027 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- March 2027 (estimated)
The Crown Solicitor's Office in South Australia runs a First Nations Cadetship. It is for First Nations Australians and is…
More about this program
The Crown Solicitor's Office in South Australia runs a First Nations Cadetship. It is for First Nations Australians and is run through AFL SportsReady, which publishes the full criteria. Cadets receive a study allowance of up to $12,000 a year. They also receive a book and equipment allowance of up to $1,000 a year. Application dates have not been published. Enquiries go to the office's reception email address.
- Eligibility
- First Nations Australians. Full criteria on AFL SportsReady.
- Runs
- Potential 2027 First Nations cadet recruitment; intake / round unannounced
- Pay
- Stipend. Study allowance up to $12,000 per year and book and equipment allowance up to $1,000 per year (GST exclusive)
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia recruits associates and registrar associates. Legal associate and registrar associate roles need…
More about this program
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia recruits associates and registrar associates. Legal associate and registrar associate roles need a completed or nearly completed law degree. Associates are employed at APS 5 and deputy associates at APS 4. Judges' associate roles run for about 12 months, with possible extensions, in capital cities and regional locations. Roles are advertised throughout the year on the court's careers page and APS Jobs. Merit lists may be used for up to 18 months.
- Eligibility
- Completed or nearly completed law degree for legal associate and registrar associate roles. Case Manager roles require no legal qualification.
- Runs
- Available during 2027, subject to vacancies or placement capacity
- Pay
- Paid. APS 5 associates and APS 4 deputy associates under the Federal Court of Australia Enterprise Agreement 2024-27
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Applications accepted throughout the year
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
Judges of the Federal Court of Australia recruit their own associates, often one to two years before the start date.…
More about this program
Judges of the Federal Court of Australia recruit their own associates, often one to two years before the start date. Associates are employed at APS Level 5 on a non ongoing basis for about 12 months, generally from the start of the year. Applicants are generally recent law graduates and must be Australian citizens. Positions are generally not advertised on APS Jobs. Applicants apply directly to chambers with a cover letter, resume and transcript. No relocation assistance is offered.
- Eligibility
- Generally recent law graduates. Australian citizenship required. Character clearance.
- Runs
- Available during 2027, subject to vacancies or placement capacity
- Pay
- Paid. APS Level 5
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- February 2027 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- March 2027 (estimated)
Gilbert + Tobin runs a First Nations Legal Cadetship Program for First Nations law students. Cadets receive employment and mentoring…
More about this program
Gilbert + Tobin runs a First Nations Legal Cadetship Program for First Nations law students. Cadets receive employment and mentoring alongside their studies. The firm says the program has supported more than 64 students since 2011. The length of the cadetship has not been published. Application dates are not published on the firm's website, and no cadetship is currently listed on its job portal. The program is listed for Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, though the firm has not confirmed the offices.
- Eligibility
- First Nations law students.
- Runs
- Potential 2027 cadetship vacancy; recurring annual intake not established
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Gleeson J: 1 October 2026; Jagot J: 31 August 2026
- Applications close:
- Gleeson J: 31 October 2026; Jagot J: 27 November 2026
Justices of the High Court of Australia each recruit their own associates, often two to three years ahead. Associates are…
More about this program
Justices of the High Court of Australia each recruit their own associates, often two to three years ahead. Associates are paid $93,824 plus an 8% allowance and superannuation. Applicants usually have a first class honours degree, preferably with research experience. Intakes start in January and July. As at 29 October 2026, Justice Gleeson accepts applications from 1 to 31 October 2026 for 2028 positions. Justice Jagot accepts applications from 31 August to 27 November 2026 for January and July 2028 starts and positions in 2029 and 2030. Each chamber has its own recruitment window.
- Eligibility
- Usually a first class honours degree, preferably with research experience. Some chambers favour prior associate, postgraduate or practice experience.
- Runs
- Gleeson J: 2028 starts. Jagot J: January/July 2028, plus 2029 and 2030 positions.
- Pay
- Paid. $93,824 plus 8% allowance, with 15.4% super
- Recorded cycle
- 2026/27
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- May–June 2027 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- August 2027 (estimated)
The Holding Redlich Undergraduate Program is a part time route for law students that the firm runs in place of…
More about this program
The Holding Redlich Undergraduate Program is a part time route for law students that the firm runs in place of a short clerkship. It is open to students starting their penultimate year, and later year students are also considered. Participants work two days a week for up to two years. They rotate through the Knowledge Centre and paralegal roles. Priority graduate offers are made in April of the second year. Applications open in May or June, and positions are advertised in July and August. Participants start in February. The program is listed for Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT.
- Eligibility
- Law students starting in the penultimate year. Later-year students also considered.
- Runs
- Expected February 2028 undergraduate start
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Applications accepted throughout the year
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
Jones Day runs a paralegal program in its Perth and Brisbane offices for law students. The firm offers the paralegal…
More about this program
Jones Day runs a paralegal program in its Perth and Brisbane offices for law students. The firm offers the paralegal role in place of a clerkship. Recruitment is rolling and advertised through local universities. Applicants apply by email to PerthRecruiting@jonesday.com or Brisbanerecruiting@jonesday.com. Participants work as paralegals while they study. The firm does not publish the length of the role or application dates.
- Eligibility
- Law students.
- Runs
- Available during 2027, subject to vacancies or placement capacity
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- March 2027 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- April 2027 (estimated)
Legal Aid NSW runs the Judge Bob Bellear Legal Career Pathways Program for Aboriginal law students and graduates. It has…
More about this program
Legal Aid NSW runs the Judge Bob Bellear Legal Career Pathways Program for Aboriginal law students and graduates. It has three streams. The cadetship supports full time undergraduate law students with financial assistance and a paid 12 week placement each year. Professional Legal Placements are for Aboriginal law graduates completing practical legal training. Graduate Career Development runs for two years across two practice areas for graduates eligible for admission. Dates have not been published.
- Eligibility
- Cadetship: Aboriginal full-time undergraduate law students. Professional Legal Placements: Aboriginal law graduates completing PLT. Graduate Career Development: Aboriginal law graduates who have completed PLT and are eligible for admission.
- Runs
- Possible 2027 recruitment for later graduate/cadet starts; PLT placements remain a separate pathway
- Pay
- Paid. Paid placement and financial assistance for the cadetship (amounts not published)
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
Legal Aid NSW offers practical legal training and work placements for law students meeting their practical legal training obligations. Placements…
More about this program
Legal Aid NSW offers practical legal training and work placements for law students meeting their practical legal training obligations. Placements are arranged through universities that have agreements with local Legal Aid NSW offices. Students can also arrange placements directly with Legal Aid NSW. The length and timing of placements have not been published. Enquiries go to the Legal Aid NSW early careers team by email.
- Eligibility
- Law students meeting PLT obligations.
- Runs
- Available during 2027, subject to vacancies or placement capacity
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- March; June; September 2027 (all estimated)
- Applications close:
- March; July; September 2027 (all estimated)
The Legal Services Commission of South Australia runs an unpaid practical legal training program. It is for students currently completing…
More about this program
The Legal Services Commission of South Australia runs an unpaid practical legal training program. It is for students currently completing practical legal training, and placements are full time only. There are three 15 day blocks a year, in May, August to September and November. Each block opens about two months before it starts and closes about six weeks before. All 2026 blocks have closed. Dates for 2027 have not been published.
- Eligibility
- Students currently undertaking PLT/GDLP. Full-time only.
- Runs
- Projected 2027 PLT blocks: May, August/September, November
- Pay
- Unpaid
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
Mellor Olsson offers practical legal training placements in South Australia. The placements are for students completing the Graduate Diploma of…
More about this program
Mellor Olsson offers practical legal training placements in South Australia. The placements are for students completing the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. The firm accepts expressions of interest and has not published fixed dates. Placement timing is flexible. The firm has not listed a clerkship or graduate program, and has not said which office hosts placements. Students should contact the firm directly through its current website.
- Eligibility
- GDLP students
- Runs
- Available during 2027, subject to vacancies or placement capacity
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- September 2027 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- October 2027 (estimated)
The Mills Oakley First Nations Internship Program is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students. The internship runs for…
More about this program
The Mills Oakley First Nations Internship Program is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students. The internship runs for three weeks. The firm has not published program dates or a recruitment timetable. It has not stated which offices host interns, so the program is listed nationally. Participants can join the firm's Graduate Program after completing their degree. The firm has not published whether the internship is paid.
- Eligibility
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students
- Runs
- Potential summer 2027/28 First Nations internship; intake not announced
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency runs an intern placement program in the Northern Territory. It takes law students as…
More about this program
The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency runs an intern placement program in the Northern Territory. It takes law students as interns throughout the year, subject to availability. Placements may also be available for law graduates completing practical legal training. Interns work in the criminal, civil and law and justice sections. Some travel to bush courts and remote clinics. The agency welcomes expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law graduates.
- Eligibility
- Law students. GDLP placements considered for law graduates completing PLT. Expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law graduates welcomed.
- Runs
- Available during 2027, subject to vacancies or placement capacity
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Accepted year-round
- Applications close:
- 30 April 2027 (mid-year); 30 September 2027 (end-year)
The Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission runs a Law Student Program of placements of up to 20 days. Placements are…
More about this program
The Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission runs a Law Student Program of placements of up to 20 days. Placements are in criminal law in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, and in other Darwin teams. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are given priority. Applications for mid year placements close on 30 April, and for end of year placements on 30 September. Students apply by email and must arrange their own personal injury insurance.
- Eligibility
- Law students. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students given priority.
- Runs
- June–July 2027 placements; November 2027–February 2028 placements
- Pay
- Not published. Students must arrange their own personal injury insurance
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
