Today’s law graduates are tomorrow’s leaders of the firm. That’s why we offer a program that lets you work with great people at all levels of the firm and do real work for real clients.
We have a one year structured graduate program that combines extensive on-the-job training and support and assistance in completing compulsory PLT requirements. It includes:
Law graduates participate in a national induction program covering the firm's structure, which is run in our Melbourne office. It covers the firm’s structure, the work we do, our clients, training in IT systems and office procedures.
We offer graduates experience across a range of practice areas through rotations (wherever possible). This helps them make an informed decision about the area they want to work in following their graduate year.
Graduates are given an extensive support network including a buddy to assist with the transition from university to full-time employment, a mentor in each rotation and a supervisor (partner) to provide guidance throughout the year.
We're renowned for our Smarter Law approach. Smarter Law means we look beyond the status quo to think differently and find better solutions for clients. That involves making real client connections, understanding their legal and business challenges, and then putting our heads together with theirs to creatively develop a solution, which may include enabling technology, challenging business models, innovative pricing or creative resourcing.
Elevate is an integral part of the Graduate year. It provides insight into our business and the business of law, helps Graduates build connections and internal networks and provides continuous learning and CPD opportunities.
Graduates are given ongoing formal and informal feedback.
Graduates are encouraged to immerse themselves in our great culture and have fun! We also have a dress for your day policy, which makes things a bit more comfortable.
Grads on Tour is a Smarter Law event that gives our Graduates an opportunity to get involved and experience the innovation journey by taking an idea to reality. It incorporates, legal tech and innovation modules, business consultation, prototyping and specialist mentoring and culminates in national livestreamed pitches.
Wondering what it's like to be a graduate at Hall & Wilcox? Our graduates share their insights.
Key dates
Melbourne
Applications for our 2024 Melbourne Graduate Program are now closed.
Sydney
Applications for our 2024 Sydney Graduate Program are now closed.
Perth
Applications for our Seasonal Clerkship Program have now closed.
Darwin
Applications for our 2024 Darwin Law Graduate Program are now closed.
Brisbane
Applications for our 2024 Brisbane Graduate Program are now closed.
Newcastle
Applications for our 2024 Newcastle Graduate Program are now closed.
What are we looking for in graduates?
Diversity is a vital component of our practice of Smarter Law and our ambition to be a leading independent Australian law firm. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce and celebrating the characteristics that make each individual unique. There’s no one ‘type’ of graduate that we look for; instead, we value people from different backgrounds, different experiences and with different perspectives.
We are interested in candidates with qualities that align with our Hallmarks. Some of these include:
- a creative mind and a passion for technology and innovation;
- an understanding of the changing legal landscape;
- varied life experiences, including previous work experience (legal and/or non-legal) and outside interests;
- strong and consistent academics and an involvement in extra-curricular activities; and
- excellent communication skills, including language and interpersonal skills.
Application process
We review applications in a way that seeks to eliminate ‘unconscious bias’. To do this, we do not look at candidate names, addresses, gender or secondary school information when we review graduate and seasonal clerkship applications.
Why? Everybody has inherent biases and this means that, at times, people are not as open-minded to difference as we’d like. We want to eliminate any unconscious or hidden bias in the shortlisting process. That’s why our application form might look a bit different to those used by other firms.
Awards & Recognition
GradConnection
Top 100 Graduate Employers
Finalist, Most Popular Law Employer Award
GradAustralia
Top 100 Graduate Employers
Fast Movers

