Graduate programs
Explore graduate programs, practical legal training placements and court associateships.
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73 programs
Department of Justice (Tasmania)
Tasmanian Department of Justice Legal Graduate Program
Graduate program · TAS
- Applications open:
- October 2026 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- 8 November 2026
The Tasmanian Department of Justice runs a legal graduate program starting in February 2027. In phase one, to July 2027,…
More about this program
The Tasmanian Department of Justice runs a legal graduate program starting in February 2027. In phase one, to July 2027, graduates work two days a week and study the Tasmanian Legal Practice Course. In phase two, to February 2029, they work full time in the department. Pay starts at $77,850 and rises after Supreme Court admission. Applicants need a law degree completed within three years or by commencement. Applications are on Jobs Tasmania and close on 8 November 2026.
- Eligibility
- Law degree (AQF 7+) completed within the last three years or by commencement. Must be enrolled in the Tasmanian Legal Practice Course (no other PLT provider accepted). Conviction, prior disciplinary and identity checks.
- Runs
- Graduate program starts February 2027
- Pay
- Paid. Phase one $77,850 to $90,843 pro rata, Legal Practitioner Level 1 $79,356 to $97,794 after Supreme Court admission
- Recorded cycle
- 2026/27
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- 28 October 2026
- Applications close:
- 22 November 2026
The Hall & Wilcox Graduate Program is a rotational program in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the…
More about this program
The Hall & Wilcox Graduate Program is a rotational program in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Graduates attend a national induction in Melbourne. Places in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney usually fill through priority offers to former seasonal clerks. The firm has not published eligibility criteria. Applications for the 2027 Darwin graduate vacancy opened on 28 October 2026 and close on 22 November 2026. Other offices have separate recruitment rounds and clerkship priority pathways.
- Eligibility
- Not published.
- Runs
- Current 2027 Darwin graduate vacancy. Other offices use different rounds / clerkship priority pathways.
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- 1 March 2027
- Applications close:
- April 2027 (estimated)
The Attorney-General's Department runs an 11 month graduate program in Canberra, with relocation assistance. Graduates complete three rotations, a major…
More about this program
The Attorney-General's Department runs an 11 month graduate program in Canberra, with relocation assistance. Graduates complete three rotations, a major project and practical legal training if eligible. They start at APS Level 4 equivalent and advance to APS Level 5 on completion. Applicants must be Australian citizens with a recent degree. Legal Practice stream applicants must be admitted or willing to complete practical legal training. Recruitment runs through the Australian Government Graduate Program. Most 2027 streams closed on 13 April 2026.
- Eligibility
- Australian citizen. Bachelor degree (AQF 7) or higher completed between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2026 (for 2027 intake). Legal Practice stream: admitted, or willing to complete PLT during the graduate year. Police, character and health checks and ability to obtain a security clearance.
- Runs
- Next AGGP recruitment in 2027, normally for a 2028 start; confirm final intake label on vacancy
- Pay
- Paid. APS Level 4 equivalent in the Entry Level Programs Broadband, advancing to APS Level 5 on completion (figures in AGD Enterprise Agreement)
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- 1 March 2027
- Applications close:
- April 2027 (estimated)
The Australian Government Solicitor runs a graduate program for law graduates. Applicants must be Australian citizens with a law degree…
More about this program
The Australian Government Solicitor runs a graduate program for law graduates. Applicants must be Australian citizens with a law degree completed within the past five years. They must be admitted, or eligible and willing to complete practical legal training during the program. They must obtain a Negative Vetting 2 security clearance. Graduates start in February and complete four rotations of about 12 weeks, including a client outpost and pro bono work. Applications usually open in March and close in April through the APS Jobs graduate portal.
- Eligibility
- Australian citizen at application. LLB or JD completed within the 5 years before 31 December of the application year. Admitted, or eligible and willing to complete PLT during the program. Must obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 2 security clearance and pass an employment screen.
- Runs
- Next AGGP Legal Stream recruitment in 2027, normally for February 2028
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:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The Allens Graduate Program runs in all Australian offices, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. It starts in February each…
More about this program
The Allens Graduate Program runs in all Australian offices, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. It starts in February each year. Graduates complete two 12-month rotations across practice areas. They also complete the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice through UNSW. The program is for law graduates. Most places are filled from the clerkship cohort. Allens recruits final year students and recent graduates directly where it has additional requirements.
- Eligibility
- Law graduates. Most places go to former clerks.
- Runs
- 2027 intake and later graduate cohorts. Review July–August 2027; this is a review period, not an application opening.
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
Ashurst Perkins Coie Australia Graduate Programme
Graduate program · NSW, VIC, QLD, WA
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The Ashurst Perkins Coie Australia Graduate Programme runs for 12 months. Graduates complete three rotations across advisory, transactional and litigious…
More about this program
The Ashurst Perkins Coie Australia Graduate Programme runs for 12 months. Graduates complete three rotations across advisory, transactional and litigious teams. Most graduate roles go to former Ashurst clerks. Ashurst advertises ad hoc graduate roles on its careers site. The graduate page does not list offices. The firm runs clerkships in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. No dates are published for the next intake.
- Eligibility
- Mainly former Ashurst clerks.
- Runs
- 2027 intake and later graduate cohorts. Review July–August 2027; this is a review period, not an application opening.
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:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The Baker McKenzie Graduate Program has three rotations and includes PLT support. Graduates are recruited mainly from the firm's clerks.…
More about this program
The Baker McKenzie Graduate Program has three rotations and includes PLT support. Graduates are recruited mainly from the firm's clerks. The firm runs clerkships in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Baker McKenzie publishes no formal eligibility criteria for the graduate program. It also does not publish dates or the offices that take graduates. Students interested in the program apply for a clerkship first, as most graduates come from that pool.
- Eligibility
- No formal criteria published.
- Runs
- 2027 intake and later graduate cohorts. Review July–August 2027; this is a review period, not an application opening.
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The Clayton Utz Graduate Program is for law graduates. Most graduates are former clerks. The program has three six-month rotations…
More about this program
The Clayton Utz Graduate Program is for law graduates. Most graduates are former clerks. The program has three six-month rotations and begins with a national orientation in Sydney. Clayton Utz recruits most graduates from its seasonal clerkships. Direct openings are listed when they arise. The graduate page does not state which offices take graduates. No dates are published for the next intake.
- Eligibility
- Law graduates, mainly former clerks.
- Runs
- 2027 intake and later graduate cohorts. Review July–August 2027; this is a review period, not an application opening.
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The Clifford Chance Graduate Program runs in Sydney and Perth. Graduates complete four rotations across Corporate, Global Financial Markets and…
More about this program
The Clifford Chance Graduate Program runs in Sydney and Perth. Graduates complete four rotations across Corporate, Global Financial Markets and Litigation and Dispute Resolution. One rotation is an international secondment. The firm pays a salary but does not publish the figure. Clifford Chance takes about six to eight graduates in Sydney and four in Perth each year. Graduates are recruited from the clerkship cohort. Eligibility is not published.
- Eligibility
- Not published.
- Runs
- 2027 intake and later graduate cohorts. Review July–August 2027; this is a review period, not an application opening.
- Pay
- Paid. Competitive salary. Figure not published
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
Corrs Chambers Westgarth Graduate Program
Graduate program · NSW, VIC, QLD, WA
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The Corrs Chambers Westgarth Graduate Program runs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. All graduates start on a single date…
More about this program
The Corrs Chambers Westgarth Graduate Program runs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. All graduates start on a single date in February or March. Most graduates come through the seasonal clerkship and priority offer process. The firm considers open-market applications from time to time. Applicants apply to the office where they intend to start as a graduate. Recruitment dates are not published.
- Eligibility
- Apply to the office where you intend to start as a graduate.
- Runs
- 2027 intake and later graduate cohorts. Review July–August 2027; this is a review period, not an application opening.
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- May 2027 (published)
- Applications close:
- June 2027 (estimated)
The NSW Crown Solicitor's Office runs a two year Graduate Development Program for admitted lawyers. Applicants apply once they are…
More about this program
The NSW Crown Solicitor's Office runs a two year Graduate Development Program for admitted lawyers. Applicants apply once they are admitted. The office has published no other eligibility criteria. Graduates rotate through the office's legal practice groups and have a graduate buddy in their first year. Salary is described as competitive but no figure is published. Applications for the next round are due to open in May 2027. Exact dates and the start date have not been published.
- Eligibility
- Admitted lawyers (apply upon admission). No other criteria published.
- Runs
- Next NSW CSO graduate recruitment opens May 2027; commencement not published
- Pay
- Paid. Not published (described as competitive)
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- July 2027 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- August 2027 (estimated)
The Dentons Law Graduate Program runs in the firm's Perth and Adelaide offices. It runs for one year, with two…
More about this program
The Dentons Law Graduate Program runs in the firm's Perth and Adelaide offices. It runs for one year, with two six month rotations. Graduates start in late February or early March 2027. The firm has not published eligibility criteria. Application dates for Perth are still to be confirmed. The firm has not listed application dates for Adelaide. It has not published an offer date for either office.
- Eligibility
- Not published.
- Runs
- Potential 2028 Perth / Adelaide graduate recruitment; 2027-start status unresolved
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
Department of Justice (Queensland)
Queensland Government Law and Justice Graduate Program
Graduate program · QLD
- Applications open:
- August 2027 (published)
- Applications close:
- September 2027 (estimated)
The Queensland Government Law and Justice Graduate Program recruits for the Department of Justice. It runs statewide for two years…
More about this program
The Queensland Government Law and Justice Graduate Program recruits for the Department of Justice. It runs statewide for two years and leads to a permanent position. The starting salary is $76,217 plus 12.75% superannuation. Applicants need a degree in law, justice, criminology or a related field completed between January 2025 and 31 January 2028. It is not a practising lawyer program by its terms. Applications for the 2028 intake open in August 2027, and the program starts in February 2028.
- Eligibility
- Degree in law, justice, criminology or a related field completed between January 2025 and 31 January 2028. Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or visa with unrestricted work rights.
- Runs
- 2028 intake, starting February 2028 or earlier if available
- Pay
- Paid. Starting salary $76,217, 12.75% super, 17.5% leave loading
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
DLA Piper Australia runs a graduate programme in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. It is open to Australian and New…
More about this program
DLA Piper Australia runs a graduate programme in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. It is open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. Clerks are considered for the graduate programme in the office where they clerked. The firm does not publish rotations, start dates or pay for the programme. No application dates are published. Students seeking a graduate role at the firm generally enter through the seasonal clerkship programme.
- Eligibility
- Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents.
- Runs
- 2027 intake and later graduate cohorts. Review July–August 2027; this is a review period, not an application opening.
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- June 2027 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- July 2027 (estimated)
DMAW Lawyers runs a graduate programme in South Australia. Graduates join a team under a principal. They rotate into another…
More about this program
DMAW Lawyers runs a graduate programme in South Australia. Graduates join a team under a principal. They rotate into another core team within their first 12 months. The firm has not published eligibility criteria, start dates or application dates. Enquiries go to the firm's general email address. The firm also runs a summer clerkship program for penultimate and final year students.
- Eligibility
- Not published
- Runs
- Possible 2028 graduate recruitment if places are advertised
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:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The Gadens Graduate Program runs in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT. Graduates complete two six month rotations…
More about this program
The Gadens Graduate Program runs in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT. Graduates complete two six month rotations across different practice groups, with Leo Cussen practical legal training built in. Graduates are recruited mainly through the clerkships and priority offers under state law society guidelines. Melbourne and Brisbane priority offers ran from 4 to 5 August 2026. Any market applications follow state guideline dates. The firm has not published eligibility criteria.
- Eligibility
- Not published.
- Runs
- 2027 intake and later graduate cohorts. Review July–August 2027; this is a review period, not an application opening.
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The Gilbert + Tobin Graduate Program is a formal 18-month program with at least two practice rotations. Clerkships are the…
More about this program
The Gilbert + Tobin Graduate Program is a formal 18-month program with at least two practice rotations. Clerkships are the main entry point, and most graduates are former Gilbert + Tobin clerks. Graduate roles open occasionally for people who clerked at other firms. The firm does not state which offices take graduates. It runs clerkships in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. No dates are published for the next intake.
- Eligibility
- Mainly former G+T clerks.
- Runs
- 2027 intake and later graduate cohorts. Review July–August 2027; this is a review period, not an application opening.
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Graduate Program
Graduate program · NSW, VIC, QLD, WA
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Graduate Program runs for 18 months in three six-month rotations. Graduates complete the UNSW Graduate…
More about this program
The Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Graduate Program runs for 18 months in three six-month rotations. Graduates complete the UNSW Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice during the first rotation. Most graduate positions go to former vacation clerks. Direct applications open occasionally. The graduate page does not state which offices take graduates. The firm runs clerkships in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
- Eligibility
- Mainly former vacation clerks.
- Runs
- 2027 intake and later graduate cohorts. Review July–August 2027; this is a review period, not an application opening.
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
Graduate recruitment guide
A graduate program is your first year or two as a lawyer, with rotations, supervision and usually your practical legal training paid for. Firms are only one part of it. Governments, regulators, legal aid, prosecutors and courts all take graduates, often on very different timetables.
Dates shown are for programs starting in 2027 unless marked. Last checked 29 October 2026. Confirm on the employer's page before you apply.
The guide describes its labelled recruitment round. Use each program’s application dates and separately recorded commencement information for its current cycle.
Five ways in
- From a clerkship. Most large firms fill their graduate intake from their own clerks. Some take a few more through an open round.
- Through a firm's open graduate round. Mid-size and regional firms often recruit graduates directly, many in a state's graduate window.
- Through a government program. The Commonwealth and most states run graduate programs with a legal stream or a legal office of their own. Many close in autumn, a year before you start.
- Through legal aid, prosecution and community services. Legal aid commissions and the Aboriginal legal services run their own programs, several with regional placements.
- As a judge's associate. A year or two working for a judge, recruited chamber by chamber, sometimes two or three years ahead.
Many programs pay for or build in your practical legal training. Check whether you must already be enrolled, as in Tasmania, where the government program takes only Legal Practice Course students.
When graduate rounds run
The state law society schemes cover firm graduate rounds as well as clerkships. Timing differs more than for clerkships. NSW recruits graduates more than a year ahead, Victoria and Queensland in August and September, and WA makes its offers in July.
| Where | Firm graduate round | Public sector timing |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Law Society program. For 2028 starts: applications 22 February to 4 April 2027, offers 2 June 2027 (decide by 1pm next day). | Crown Solicitor's Office applications open in May 2027. NSW Government Graduate Program starts each February. |
| VIC | LIV guidelines. Priority offers to own clerks 4 August 2026. Open market applications 7 to 23 August, offers 30 September 2026. | VGSO follows the LIV dates. Victoria Legal Aid's New Lawyers Program closed 11 October 2026. |
| QLD | QLS guidelines. Offers to own clerks and staff 4 August 2026. Open market applications 10 to 21 August, offers 24 September 2026. Programs start February 2027. | Department of Justice applications open in August. |
| WA | Law Society of WA dates. Graduate offers 17 July 2026, held open 9am to 1pm. | State Solicitor's Office applications April to May. Legal Aid WA closed in May and June 2026. |
| SA | No scheme. Firms set their own dates. | Crown Solicitor's Office fills roles from a 12-month graduate pool. |
| ACT | No scheme. | ACT Public Service program closed 12 July 2026. |
| TAS | No scheme. Firms recruit as roles arise. | Department of Justice Legal Graduate Program closes 8 November 2026. |
| NT | No scheme. | SFNT program starts each January and is advertised once a year. |
| Commonwealth | Not applicable | Most programs close in March to May, about ten months before a February start. ASIC's closed 16 August 2026. |
Commonwealth programs
The Commonwealth recruits early. For a February 2027 start, most programs closed between March and May 2026. If you finish your degree next year, the window to watch opens around March 2027.
Australian Government Graduate Program, Legal Stream. A central round run through APS Jobs, with a merit pool that agencies hire from. The Attorney-General's Department takes its legal graduates through it. AGD's program runs 11 months with three rotations in Canberra and builds in practical legal training. You need to be an Australian citizen.
Australian Government Solicitor. The Commonwealth's own legal practice, part of AGD, recruits separately. Its program has four rotations of about 12 weeks across its practice groups, an outpost in a Commonwealth agency and pro bono work. Applications generally run March to April. Graduates need a Negative Vetting 2 security clearance.
Regulators with a law stream. ASIC runs a law stream in its graduate program (closed 16 August 2026) and a Legal stream in its internship program, based in Sydney or Melbourne (the 2026 round ran 6 to 20 October). The ATO has a taxation and law stream (closed 9 April 2026). The ACCC recruits lawyers through its general stream (closed 17 May 2026).
Earlier pathways. AGD also runs Jump Start and hosts interns through the Australian Disability Network's Stepping Into program.
National firms with one national program. Barry Nilsson, Clayton Utz and Mills Oakley run national graduate programs and place graduates by office.
Browse government bodies on the AtlasState by state
New South Wales
Government The Crown Solicitor's Office runs a two-year graduate development program for newly admitted lawyers. The NSW Government Graduate Program has a Legal stream: 18 months, three placements and the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice built in. The Department of Communities and Justice runs the Maliyan Program for Aboriginal graduate solicitors.
Legal aid, prosecution and community Legal Aid NSW runs a Crime Regional Graduate Program. The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) recruits graduate solicitors on a rolling basis for its Western NSW criminal practice.
Clerkships in New South WalesVictoria
Government The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office runs a 12-month program across four legal branches, with training through Leo Cussen. The central Victorian Government Graduate Program has no legal stream.
Legal aid, prosecution and community Victoria Legal Aid runs the New Lawyers Program for admitted lawyers and a First Nations Graduate Law Program.
Clerkships in VictoriaQueensland
Government The Department of Justice runs a two-year Law and Justice Graduate Program, open to law, justice and criminology graduates.
Legal aid, prosecution and community Legal Aid Queensland runs a Graduate Lawyer Program.
Clerkships in QueenslandWestern Australia
Government The State Solicitor's Office runs a 12-month rotational program and pays for practical legal training. Its 2027 graduates are on two-year contracts.
Legal aid, prosecution and community Legal Aid WA runs a Law Graduate Program and a Regional Law Graduate Program.
Clerkships in Western AustraliaSouth Australia
Government The Crown Solicitor's Office fills graduate solicitor roles from an employment pool that stays valid for 12 months.
Legal aid, prosecution and community The Legal Services Commission runs a practical legal training program.
Clerkships in South AustraliaAustralian Capital Territory
Government The ACT Public Service Graduate Program has a Legal career path for non-practising roles. The ACT Government Solicitor hosts practical legal training placements. Canberra is also home to most Commonwealth programs (above).
Legal aid, prosecution and community The ACT Cross-Sector Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law Graduate Program, run by Legal Aid ACT, has not opened a round since 2024.
Clerkships in Australian Capital TerritoryTasmania
Government The Department of Justice runs a Legal Graduate Program of about two years. Graduates work part time while completing the Tasmanian Legal Practice Course, then full time. Applications for 2027 close 8 November 2026.
Clerkships in TasmaniaNorthern Territory
Government The Solicitor for the Northern Territory runs a 12-month program from January, with rotations that can include the DPP and Parliamentary Counsel. Two places are reserved for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates.
Legal aid, prosecution and community NAAJA invites expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law graduates and supervises some GDLP placements.
Clerkships in Northern TerritoryAssociateships
An associate works beside one judge for a year or two. Most courts have no central round. Each judge's chambers recruits, sometimes years ahead, so watch the court's own page.
- High Court of Australia
- Each Justice recruits separately, often two to three years ahead. Justice Gleeson took applications from 1 to 31 October 2026 for 2028.
- Federal Court of Australia
- Judges recruit their own associates as positions arise.
- Federal Circuit and Family Court
- Associate roles in both divisions, plus associates to registrars and legal case managers.
- Supreme Court of NSW
- Judges choose associates and tipstaves directly. Apply early in the year before the appointment. Researchers are hired each year.
- Supreme Court of Victoria
- Roles are advertised one by one on the Victorian Government jobs board.
- Supreme and District Courts of Queensland
- An annual round. The 2027 round ran 8 December 2025 to 30 January 2026. The 2028 window is not yet published.
- Supreme Court of WA
- An annual round closing in April for January starts, plus individual chambers ads.
- Supreme Court of SA
- Rolling. Apply to each Justice's chambers. Associates can complete the GDLP while employed.
- Supreme Court of Tasmania
- Roles are advertised on the Tasmanian Government jobs site as they arise.
- Supreme Court of the NT
- Positions are offered at the start of each year. Apply to each judge's executive assistant.
- ACT Supreme Court
- A rolling associate register, current for a year, plus chambers ads.
FAQ
Do I need a clerkship to get a graduate role?
No. It is the main route into the largest firms. Government, regulators, legal aid, courts and most mid-size firms recruit graduates directly.
When should I start looking?
In the year before you finish. Commonwealth programs close in autumn, NSW firms recruit in February to April, and most other states run August to October.
Will the program pay for my practical legal training?
Many do, and some build it into the program. Check each listing. In Tasmania you must already be enrolled in the Legal Practice Course to apply to the government program.
I am not a citizen. Can I apply?
Commonwealth programs require Australian citizenship. Most state programs and firms ask for work rights for the length of the program. Check each listing.