HWL Ebsworth

What We Offer:

• Real and Complex Work: from day one, you'll work on real, challenging matters, gaining exposure to clients whilst collaborating with a high-performing team.
• Mentorship & Feedback: you'll receive ongoing guidance and comprehensive feedback from your supervising Partner and mentor.
• Work-Life Balance: enjoy one of the lowest billable targets in the industry.
• Networking Opportunities: engage with your colleagues through social and development events, firm-wide celebrations, and networking opportunities from Graduates through to Partners.
• Customised Induction Program: our comprehensive induction program will assist in familiarising you with our systems, processes and give real insight into our practice groups and life at HWLE.
• Pathway to Graduate Program: almost all of our graduate roles for 2027 are filled with those who clerk with us. This is your opportunity to see what life is like at HWLE.

About the Melbourne Clerkship Program:

Running for 4 weeks in Summer and 3 weeks in Winter, 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. As a valued member of the team, you will be exposed to a broad range of work within your designated Practice Group, and we will have the opportunity to get to know you on both a personal and professional level.

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.

Note: there are no rotations in the clerkship program.

Who We Are Looking For:

We seek penultimate-year law students who embody our down-to-earth, no-fuss culture. If you are self-motivated, eager to learn, adaptable, and have excellent communication skills, you will thrive at HWLE.

Who Can Apply:

Applications are open to those who meet the following criteria:

• You are in your penultimate year of study (finishing in 2026)
• You are studying Law at an Australian university.
• You are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

Why HWLE?

At HWL Ebsworth, we invest in our people from the beginning of their careers. Our meritocratic structure supports career growth from graduate to partnership. With over 1600 people, including 270+ partners, across offices in every Australian state and territory, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking firm. Our mix of clientele provides junior staff with unparalleled opportunities to take on responsibility and work on a variety of matters, from small businesses through to ASX listed companies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion:

HWL Ebsworth strives to create an inclusive environment where our people want and feel comfortable to bring their entire selves to work. Varied perspectives contribute to our collective success so whatever your background, we'd love to hear from you and encourage you to apply. If you have reasonable accessibility requirements that will enable you to participate equitably in our recruitment process, please reach out to your relevant HR contact for a confidential discussion.

Recrutiment Process:

To apply, find information on our recruitment process, and practice groups please visit Early Careers - HWL Ebsworth Lawyers.