Begin your legal career in a firm that backs your growth, values your perspective and gives you real work that matters from day one.
We provide early career lawyers the space, support and responsibility to grow with confidence. Our clerkship and graduate programs combine hands-on experience, meaningful client work and access to people who want to see you succeed.
What you will do
Learn by doing. With your mentor guiding your development and allocating work, you will contribute to matters from start to finish:
- Researching legal issues that shape our advice and strategy
- Joining client meetings, court attendances or mediations
- Drafting correspondence and concise advice
- Helping prepare affidavits and court documents
Every experience helps you sharpen your judgment, grow your skillset and understand the role you want to play as a future lawyer.
Program structure
- Brisbane and Melbourne: Four weeks in one practice group.
- Sydney and Canberra: Eight weeks across two practice groups.
Who can apply
Students in their penultimate or final year of the LLB or JD, studying in Australia. We do not accept applications from international students.
How to apply
Apply through the Gadens website. Upload your CV, cover letter, academic transcript and provide responses to short-answer questions. No psychometric testing.
Successful applicants are invited to in-person interviews with a partner and a member of our People and Development team, followed by a pre-offer day networking event. We comply with all state Law Society recruitment guidelines.
Program structure
Two six-month rotations across different practice groups, giving you broad exposure before choosing your specialisation:
- Banking and Finance
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Corporate (including Tax Advisory)
- Disputes and Investigations
- Real Estate
- Technology, Media and Intellectual Property
- Workplace Advisory and Disputes
Gadens has partnered with the Leo Cussen Centre for Law to embed Practical Legal Training (PLT) into the program.
Beyond the program: what your days include
You won't just do legal work. You will be part of a firm that lives its commitments:
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Pro bono
Contribute to matters that expand access to justice. Develop client communication, advocacy skills and early experience managing files, supported by senior practitioners. Our seven focus areas span climate, financial abuse, refugee support, human rights, First Nations justice and community legal sector. -
Community and volunteering
Join structured programs with OzHarvest, Ronald McDonald House, Our Village and others, plus firm-wide celebrations of National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week and International Women's Day. -
Social and wellbeing
Regular office events, sporting activities, health seminars and informal gatherings that build real relationships beyond your immediate team.