Grads@Gadens is the program through which we attract and retain talent within the firm, recognising that our graduates are the future of the firm and the legal profession. Once on our program, you will immediately receive challenging and varied work with a high level of responsibility. Grads@Gadens is based on two, six-month rotations through different practice areas. Practice areas in the rotations include:
Spending time in different practice areas means you have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your chosen specialisation. Together with our practical on-the-job training and working directly with partners you will develop a broad set of skills which you can carry with you throughout your career.
Training and development
Throughout the program we will invest in you and provide comprehensive support to ensure each rotation is a success. You will team-up with a dedicated mentor who will work closely with you to develop your technical skills, allocate work and provide ongoing feedback.
You will attend multiple workshops each month led by partners and senior members of staff so that you are continually learning and developing. These sessions focus on business skills and technical development, and ensure that you are given the support you need to excel in a commercially driven environment.
What we offer
Gadens is a leading, independent Australian law firm, with a clear vision and strategy for the future. We help people achieve their purpose in a complex world, by leading by example, inspiring others, innovating and building something we are all proud of.
We offer:
This is what makes Gadens a great place to work.
Eligibility
The 2024 Grads@Gadens program is open to candidates who are PLT-qualified and will ideally be admitted before commencing with us in March 2024. If your admission date is within the first three months of the program, your application will still be considered.
Application dates for Grads@Gadens
Sydney
Melbourne
Application details
You will need to attach the following documents as part of your application:
Applications without a full set of attachments will not be considered.
It is an exciting time to join Gadens. In 2023, we are introducing clerkships to our Melbourne and Sydney offices. Clerks will have the opportunity to get to know our people, our clients and our practice teams during the program, participating in a range of work and activities designed to give you insights into private practice in your preferred area of the law. A dedicated Mentor and Buddy will guide and support you during your rotations, whilst gaining practical experience through working directly with Partners and experienced Lawyers, who are leaders in their field. You will also learn more about our firm, culture and how we support the wider community. We will recruit Graduates for 2025 from Clerks who have participated in our clerkship programs in 2023/2024.
Application dates for Clerks@Gadens
Sydney
Gadens are signatories to The Law Society of New South Wales Clerkship Guidelines. Applications open and close on 5 June 2023 and 9 July 2023, respectively, with offers being made on 13 September 2023. We will be accepting applications from students in their penultimate year of the JD or LLB.
In Sydney, clerkships take place across one intake, between November 2023 and February 2024.
Melbourne
Gadens are signatories to the LIV Seasonal Clerkship Guidelines. Applications open and close on 3 July 2023 and 13 August 2023, respectively, with offers being made on 18 October 2023. We will be accepting applications from students in their penultimate or final year of the JD or LLB.
In Melbourne, clerkships take place across three intakes, each four weeks in duration, in the university holiday periods in November 2023, January 2024 and June 2024.
Application details
You can apply for clerkships directly through our website and will be required to upload your CV, cover letter, and academic transcript, as well as responses to some short questions. You will not be required to complete any psychometric testing as part of our recruitment process. Successful clerks will be invited to attend a networking and information evening in our office prior to interview, to learn more about Gadens and meet our people. Interviews will be held in-person in our offices with a Partner and member of the People and Development team. We look forward to receiving your application.
For any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact our Early Careers Partner, Jessica Parker, or email: earlycareers@gadens.com.