We place a strong emphasis on supporting our early career professionals into their life-long careers. Our emerging talent population is valued and developed throughout their career journey and provided with extensive opportunities and training to support their professional development.
Here you will find further information about our vacation clerk and law graduate opportunities, including insights into the programs available and the application process to join us.
As a vacation clerk and law graduate in our Australian offices, you will…
Be Connected
We describe ourselves as one office, many locations, and that pretty much sums up our approach. Many of our clients work across countries and continents, and expect us to do the same.
You will be working alongside lawyers across the country and all around the world.
“I’ve been provided with opportunities to work on cross-border and domestic transactions with our colleagues in New York, London and Ohio. My supervisors have strongly supported the start of my legal career by involving me in all aspects of matters, and I have been able to gain invaluable experience and work with extremely talented people”
Geogia Mateer | Corporate | Sydney
"I’ve been given opportunities to work on a variety of general and specialised litigation matters with colleagues from all around Australia. This has allowed me to learn from lawyers who are leaders in their fields and identify my own areas of interest to carve my own career pathway."
Marcus Lee | Litigation | Sydney
Be Commercial
Whether they are household brand names that have changed the way we work, live, shop or play, or start-ups just about to shake things up all over again, our clients are clever, creative and commercial. So are we.
You will learn how to adapt what you have learned about law to real-time scenarios. That is because you will be working on real work for real clients from day one.
“Throughout my rotations I have had the chance to work in amazing, supportive teams and collaborate with colleagues at all levels both in Australia and internationally. It is really exciting working on big transactions and topical legal issues and dealing directly with clients.”
Mary Shaw | Law Graduate | Perth
Be Committed
Our culture emphasises and rewards collaboration, accountability and responsibility. We support our clients, our people and our community. Values are not just words on a page but are lived daily. We have generous wellbeing programs to keep you happy and healthy in mind and in body. We support volunteerism and pro bono initiatives. We work hard to build a culture that makes coming to work each day a pleasure.
From the very start, you will be provided with the tools, know-how and options you need to set your own challenges and define your career path.
“My supervisors have been fantastic at involving me in aspects of a matter, giving me insight into the broader strategic issues that must be taken into account when advising clients. This has enabled me to develop my legal skills.”
Hamish Donovan | Litigation | Perth
“It’s great to have an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the community through working with some of our charity and pro bono clients. It’s so rewarding to know that your work is making a real difference in people’s lives.”
Genevieve Mascarenhas | Labour and Employment | Perth
So, begin a career that will take you places and apply today!
Vacation Clerkships
Vacation clerkships are a two-week work experience program over the Summer (December/January) and Winter (June/July) period. Our vacation clerkship program is open to penultimate-year students, with the clerkship taking place in your final year of study.
Perth vacation clerkship recruitment dates:
- Applications open: 9 a.m. Monday, 24 June 2024
- Applications close: 11:59 p.m. Sunday, 28 July 2024
Find out more about our vacation clerkship opportunities here.
Graduate Program
Our client base spans every type of business, both private and public, worldwide. We advise a diverse mix of clients, from Fortune 100 and FTSE 100 corporations to emerging companies, and from individuals to local and national governments.
During our graduate program you will complete two or three six-month rotations (Perth), or three four-month rotations (Sydney) in different practice areas. To enable you to develop and progress your career with the firm you will experience hands on mentoring and support from partners and senior lawyers, take part in bespoke learning and development programs, work with colleagues across offices (both in Australia and globally), get involved in pro bono work, be considered for client secondments, take an active role in the firm’s diversity program, organise firm social events for your colleagues, and more.
We accept applications from students in their final year to commence a graduate role in February of the following year.
Sydney graduate recruitment dates:
- Applications open:TBC
- Applications close:TBC
To find out more about our programs, please read our brochure or visit our application page.
Application Process
You will need to submit the following:
- A cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for a position at the firm
- A CV outlining your work experience, extracurricular activities and academic and non-academic achievements
- A copy of your academic transcript
Your application will be reviewed and shortlisted by a team of SPB partners and Human Resources. We will be looking for students with strong academic achievement supported by a diverse application highlighting your unique strengths, qualities and passion to join our team.
Should your application be shortlisted, you will then be invited to attend an interview at our offices.
The format of your visit to our offices may include:
- An introduction and welcome with a current SPB Law Graduate or newly admitted Associate;
- A 30 minute interview with two senior members of the office, being either a Partner, other Senior Practitioner, and/or Manager; and
- An opportunity to de-brief with a member of Human Resources.
For the Law Graduate recruitment process, in some offices, you may also be required to attend an Assessment Centre – a half day program designed to allow us to really get to know you in terms of your skills, experience and expertise.
Offers are then made on the designated offer day, with calls commencing at 9am sharp – so stand by your phones!
For any further enquiries, please contact us at careers@squirepb.com.