GRADUATE POSITIONS EXPLAINED I’M AT THE END OF MY DEGREE... NOW WHAT? Graduate positions are roles are targeted at students who have recently completed their studies. The programs give you hands on experience necessary to aid your entry into the profession. In law, this typically means a year of practical legal training.
Where can I browse graduate jobs? In most instances, Firms will advertise graduate jobs through their website. Research is the key to finding the firm and position that suits you. cvMail or GradAustralia are great starting points.
Most private practice firms, in-house legal teams and government organisations offer graduate When do I start thinking about programs. However, most graduates sourced by each organisation come from their previous pool of Graduate Positions? The earlier you plan for your future, the better clerks or interns. An initial application will require a prepared you will be for applying for graduate cover letter and CV in most instances. positions. As a rule of thumb, students should watch Depending on the firm, you may also undertake the market from the penultimate year of their degree personality or competency tests or answer questions to make informed decisions about where they want about the firm, position, and suitability. Even if you’ve clerked there, some firms may require you to to apply during their final year. interview again.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? Private Practice
Associateships
Most private practice firms and some in-house legal teams offer graduate programs. The programs are structured for students to integrate in the business, usually in rotations where students spend time in particular practice groups. The rotations will include a learning and development program which also includes non-technical skills development.
An associateship is a role which assists a judge with administrative, research and other legal tasks.
Australian Public Service
expected to hit the ground running from day one. This means the majority of the time, the associate is in the courtroom, ensuring that the judge’s day in court goes smoothly. The ultimate aim of an Associateships is to entrench themselves in the day to day occurrences of court proceedings, learn about standard procedure and build a strong network.
Judges from all different courts in Australia, from local courts to the high court, will hire associates. High court judges will hire two associates, one based in Canberra and one in their home state (known as a “travelling associate”). Other judges Read the Commercial Firm Directory to get an will usually hire a single associate per year. idea from employers about their graduate programs. While there is no official program, associates are
A graduate role here will transition you into a career in public service. The career paths in public service include government solicitors, working for the DPP, LegalAid, advisory or consultancy roles and many more.
Read the Government Directory to get an idea Read the Courts Directory to get an idea from students in these roles. from employers about their graduate programs. 14
