Summer clerkships are paid employment experiences in major commercial law firms over the summer break for Australian law students in their penultimate (second last) year of study. They are primarily based in Sydney, with other states and some overseas firms offering variations of the program.


The importance of a summer clerkship cannot be overestimated. It is the primary method used by participating law firms to identify and secure talented students for graduate positions. In fact, several law firms do not offer any graduate positions, as their intake of summer clerks is generally sufficient to service their clients throughout the year. Further to the program being the easiest way to secure employment after your studies, it is also a fantastic way to gain an insight into day-to-day professional legal practice, particularly for those who have not worked from inside the four walls of a commercial law firm before.


To assist you in your decision about whether to apply for a clerkship program, which firms to apply for, or how to best construct your applications, the UTS Law Students' Society is happy to bring you the Clerkship Seminar Series in 2012. Leading commercial law firms will attend UTS in May 2012 to present individual seminars, providing you will valuable insights and information, culminating in the Clerkship Networking Evening. For all the details, including which firms will be in attendance and when, go to http://utslss.com/careers/clerkship-seminar-series.

Key Dates 2012

HOW TO APPLY FOR PLACEMENTS IN 2012

Timeframes apply for the opening and closing of applications for summer clerkships and graduate positions, and the making and accepting of summer clerk and graduate employment offers in accordance with Schedule A of the Guidelines.

Each participating law firm has its own application process. Students should send their completed application in the format preferred by the firm of their choice. The Student Application Form is to be used only where specifically required by the firm. For firm requirements view the list ofParticipating Law Firms for the Summer Clerk Program and the Graduate Employment Program.

The Law Society of NSW and UTS cannot accept lodgment of student applications.

Students should direct all enquiries to the law firm of their choosing, or alternatively, email Roya Eizadi at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

FULL DETAILS & APPLICATION INFORMATION

• Graduate Employment and Summer Clerkship Guidelines & Key Dates
  The Guidelines are intended to implement a fair program for law firms and students by providing set dates for the recruitment process.
• Student Application Form
  Each participating law firm has its own application process. View the list of Participating Law Firms in the Graduate Employment Program. Students should send their completed application form to the law firm of their choice as the Law Society of NSW or UTS cannot accept lodgment of student application forms.
• cvMail
• Participating Law Firms
• For full details on the Graduate Employment Program please visit the Law Society of NSW website.

USEFUL DOWNLOADS

• Participating Law Firms
• Legal Graduate Employment & Summer Clerkship Guidelines

FURTHER INFORMATION

For information regarding the Graduate Employment Scheme, please contact our Careers (Activities) Director for 2012, Emma White, at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .