Graduate programs
Explore graduate programs, practical legal training placements and court associateships.
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16 programs
- 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:
- 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:
- 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…
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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
- 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 HWL Ebsworth Graduate Program runs for 12 months in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the ACT and Tasmania.…
More about this program
The HWL Ebsworth Graduate Program runs for 12 months in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the ACT and Tasmania. Melbourne runs three four month rotations and Perth runs two six month rotations. Hobart rotates graduates as needed. The program is open to final year students finishing in 2026 and graduates within two years of finishing. Applicants must be Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. Canberra requires Australian citizenship. Places are filled mainly through the clerkship program.
- Eligibility
- Final year law students finishing in 2026, or graduates within two years of finishing. Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Canberra requires Australian citizenship.
- 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
Johnson Winter Slattery Graduate Program
Graduate program · NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, ACT
- Applications open:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The Johnson Winter Slattery Graduate Program runs across the firm's offices in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western…
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The Johnson Winter Slattery Graduate Program runs across the firm's offices in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT. It lasts 15 months, in three rotations of five months each. The firm funds practical legal training for its graduates. Recruitment is mainly through priority offers to former seasonal clerks. The firm has not published eligibility criteria. The 2026 places in Sydney and Canberra have been filled.
- 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:
- 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:
- Application dates not yet announced
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
The Mills Oakley Graduate Program is for law graduates. It runs for 12 months, with three four month rotations. Graduates…
More about this program
The Mills Oakley Graduate Program is for law graduates. It runs for 12 months, with three four month rotations. Graduates complete practical legal training through the College of Law, with financial support from the firm. The firm has not published a recruitment timetable, and openings are advertised on its careers page. It has not stated which offices take graduates. The careers page has not been updated for the current intake.
- Eligibility
- Law graduates
- 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 MinterEllison Legal Graduate Program is for final year law students and recent law graduates. Graduates complete up to three…
More about this program
The MinterEllison Legal Graduate Program is for final year law students and recent law graduates. Graduates complete up to three six-month rotations. The firm funds their PLT. The program runs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Canberra is not currently recruiting. Most graduates come through the clerkship program. Roles for final year students and recent graduates are advertised when available.
- Eligibility
- Final year law students or recent law graduates.
- 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:
- December 2026; February 2027; June 2027 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- January; March; July 2027 (estimated)
The South Australian Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions offers unpaid practical legal training placements. They are for students…
More about this program
The South Australian Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions offers unpaid practical legal training placements. They are for students completing a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at South Australian or interstate universities. Placements run in three blocks a year, from February to March, April to June and August to September. Each placement lasts three or six weeks. All 2026 blocks have closed. The office also offers one week of unpaid work experience for penultimate and final year students.
- Eligibility
- Students completing a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at SA or interstate universities.
- Runs
- Projected 2027 PLT blocks: February/March, April/June, August/September
- Pay
- Unpaid
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- August 2027 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- September 2027 (estimated)
The Piper Alderman Law Graduate Program runs across the firm's five offices in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia…
More about this program
The Piper Alderman Law Graduate Program runs across the firm's five offices in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. It is for law graduates, and the firm has not published further criteria. Graduates start in February with a two day national induction. The firm funds their practical legal training. Roles are advertised on the firm's careers site, and the firm has not published a recruitment timetable.
- Eligibility
- Law graduates. Criteria not published.
- Runs
- Possible 2028 graduate intake; actual vacancy timing varies by office
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- Applications accepted throughout the year
- Applications close:
- Application dates not yet announced
Justices of the Supreme Court of South Australia recruit associates directly on a rolling basis. Vacancies arise at various times…
More about this program
Justices of the Supreme Court of South Australia recruit associates directly on a rolling basis. Vacancies arise at various times and applications go to each Justice's chambers throughout the year. Applicants need a Bachelor of Laws and a National Police Certificate. Associates are classified from JUA1 for unadmitted graduates to JUA3 for those with a year of experience after admission. Associateships are generally one year contracts. Associates may complete the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice while employed.
- Eligibility
- Bachelor of Laws. JUA1 unadmitted, JUA2 admitted in SA after GDLP, JUA3 one year post-admission experience. National Police Certificate.
- Runs
- Available during 2027, subject to vacancies or placement capacity
- Pay
- Paid. Classified JUA1 to JUA3 (rates not published on the page)
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- August–September 2027 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- September 2027 (estimated)
Thomsons Lawyers offers its Graduate Program in each office. The offices are in New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland,…
More about this program
Thomsons Lawyers offers its Graduate Program in each office. The offices are in New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. Graduates rotate across practice groups. The firm has not published the length of the program or its eligibility criteria. Applications are taken during each state's open period, but the firm has not published dates. Recruitment enquiries go to recruitment@thomsons.com.au.
- Eligibility
- Not published
- Runs
- Potential 2028 graduate recruitment; application periods differ by office
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- August 2027 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- September 2027 (estimated)
Barry Nilsson runs a graduate program across its Australian offices. Some graduate intakes are filled directly from the firm's vacation…
More about this program
Barry Nilsson runs a graduate program across its Australian offices. Some graduate intakes are filled directly from the firm's vacation clerk program. The firm has not published eligibility criteria, program structure, start dates or application dates. Its careers page states that applications are currently closed. Students interested in the program should consider the firm's vacation clerkships, which feed some graduate intakes.
- Eligibility
- Not published
- Runs
- Potential 2028 graduate recruitment; contingent on office vacancies
Checked 29 October 2026 · Source
- Applications open:
- March 2027 (estimated)
- Applications close:
- April 2027 (estimated)
The Crown Solicitor's Office in South Australia recruits graduate solicitors through a pool rather than a cohort program. Successful applicants…
More about this program
The Crown Solicitor's Office in South Australia recruits graduate solicitors through a pool rather than a cohort program. Successful applicants are contacted as vacancies arise. Applications stay valid for 12 months. The pool is currently closed, and reopening dates have not been published. A paralegal pool runs on the same basis. The office also runs a summer clerkship, a First Nations cadetship and practical legal training placements.
- Eligibility
- Graduate solicitors.
- Runs
- Possible 2027 graduate solicitor pool reopening; appointments as vacancies arise
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 |
|---|---|---|
| SA | No scheme. Firms set their own dates. | Crown Solicitor's Office fills roles from a 12-month graduate pool. |
| 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. |
| 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.