CLERKSHIP PROGRAMS
HWL Ebsworth’s Clerkship Program is structured to present you with hands-on experiences and training to develop your legal skills and knowledge whilst offering the chance to network with a range of practitioners throughout the firm. You will be exposed to a broad range of work within your designated Practice Groups and we will have the opportunity to get to know you on both a personal and professional level.
Upon the commencement of your Clerkship, you will be paired with a Supervising Partner and a Mentor who will guide, support and develop you throughout your placement and deliver comprehensive feedback at the conclusion of your time with the firm. You will participate in a customised induction program that will assist in familiarising you with our systems, processes and values and you will be welcomed as a valued member of our national team.
Workshops and training
We recognise the importance of gaining exposure to a broad range of legal activities at this early stage of your legal career. Our Clerkship program has been developed to offer this by providing you with direct involvement in actual client matters, as well as technical and practice management training sessions.
Operational activities may include attending external and/or client meetings, drafting a piece of advice and/or agreement, assisting with due diligence, attending settlements, research tasks and attending Court. Other training areas and practice management workshops may focus on client management, negotiation skills and technical skills, and will be accompanied by career information sessions.
At HWL Ebsworth we believe that a healthy balance between work and personal life is crucial. During your Clerkship, you will experience what it is like to be an employee of HWL Ebsworth and you will have the opportunity to attend a variety of social and networking events hosted by the firm.
Application process
- To apply for a Clerkship, you will be required to complete the online Application Form which will be made available on this page under the relevant city heading. Please attach a copy of your academic transcript along with any additional supporting documentation that you would like us to consider. The information provided will allow us to obtain an overview of your skills, your previous experiences and your suitability for the Clerkship Program.
Please note that applications will only be accepted from recent law graduates or students completing their degree in the year of the Clerkship.
All enquiries about the program can be emailed to clerkapplications@hwle.com.au
Recruitment process
Stage One – Application Shortlisting
The selection panel will review your application against a number of predefined selection criteria to allow each applicant the opportunity to be assessed equally and objectively. Candidates who are shortlisted will progress to Stage Two and will be invited to attend our Information & Assessment Centre.
Stage Two – Information & Assessment Centre
The Information & Assessment Centre will encompass both individual and group based activities designed to assess your analytical, problem solving, communication and leadership skills, and will run for approximately three hours. You will have the opportunity to meet with partners, solicitors and previous clerks of the firm. Candidates who are successful in this stage will be invited to attend an interview.
Stage Three – Individual Interviews
This stage will involve an individual interview with the selection panel to enable a final consideration of your technical and cultural alignment with HWL Ebsworth.
Stage Four – Offer of Clerkship
Successful candidates will be notified by Human Resources. Upon acceptance of a verbal offer, a written offer will be provided to the successful candidate.
GRADUATE & TRAINEESHIP PROGRAMS
Through our Graduate and Trainee Program, you will be provided with an opportunity to gain exposure to key practice areas across the firm, including a variety of transactional and litigious work, to assist you in determining your direction post Admission.
You will immediately become an important member of our team, assisting in a range of areas including drafting, court attendances, client interaction and legal research. You will have an opportunity to practice in different technical and industry groups, work with partners and solicitors from across our Australian offices, develop an understanding of the vital importance of client relationship management, and undergo internal and external professional development activities to assist you in enriching your legal knowledge.
What can I expect as a graduate/trainee at HWL Ebsworth?
After a detailed induction into the firm, a senior practitioner will be assigned to you as a mentor/supervisor. They will offer advice and coaching, identify potential areas of development and, most importantly, facilitate your growth throughout the Program.
We strongly recognise the importance of your early career experiences as foundation of your future legal career, and we ensure that you regularly receive constructive feedback from partners and solicitors in relation to the work performed. To assist you in the development of your career, we offer continuous professional development to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Application process
Applications are open to recent graduates or those completing their degree in the year prior to the commencement of the program. To apply, you will be required to complete the online Application Form which will be made available on this page under the relevant City heading. Please attach a copy of your academic transcript along with any additional supporting documentation that you would like us to consider. The information provided will allow us to obtain an overview of your skills, your previous experiences and your suitability for the Graduate & Trainee Program.
Once you have submitted your Application Form you will be unable to make any amendments. All enquires about the program can be emailed to hrapplications@hwle.com.au.
Please note that applications will not be accepted in the form of resumes with accompanying cover letters.
Recruitment process
Stage One – Application Shortlisting
The selection panel will review your application against a number of predefined selection criteria to allow each applicant the opportunity to be assessed equally and objectively. Candidates who are shortlisted will progress to Stage Two and will be invited to attend our Information & Assessment Centre.
Stage Two – Information & Assessment Centre
The Information & Assessment Centre will encompass both individual and group based activities designed to assess your analytical, problem solving, communication and leadership skills, and will run for approximately three hours. You will have the opportunity to meet with partners, solicitors and previous graduates / trainees of the firm. Candidates who are successful in this stage will be invited to attend an interview.
Stage Three – Individual Interviews
This stage will involve an individual interview with the selection panel to enable a final consideration of your technical and cultural alignment with HWL Ebsworth.
Stage Four – Graduate / Trainee Offer
Successful candidates will be notified by Human Resources. Upon acceptance of a verbal offer, a written offer will be provided to the successful candidate.
