Baker McKenzie 2019 Summer Clerkship Program - Sydney

Our Summer Clerkship Program

If your dream is to be an outstanding lawyer, your journey to a world-class commercial legal career begins here. Start with Australia's first global law firm and set yourself on the path to excellence. Kick start your career with our world-class Summer Clerkship. Build your technical, legal expertise through our Graduate Program. Receive outstanding work and mentoring to become an expert in your field, as an Associate.

What to expect

At Baker McKenzie, we understand that the transition from university to legal practice can be challenging. We provide our Summer Clerks with a comprehensive induction program, to help make this transition as smooth as possible.  Our training program is designed to help you get the most out of your Summer Clerkship and set yourself up for success. We consult with our Summer Clerks before they commence to understand the areas of practice in which they are interested in gaining experience. We structure our Summer Clerk's rotations according to these preferences, where possible, and Summer Clerks in our Sydney office also complete a one week client secondment. 

Most importantly, as a Summer Clerk we want you to see what life is like as a Graduate and junior lawyer at Baker McKenzie.  Right from the start, our Summer Clerks get involved in real work. You will be exposed to our Australian and international clients through client meetings, shadowing, research and other everyday activities within your assigned practice group. You will also have the opportunity to participate in pro bono files and community service initiatives. Our Summer Clerks work closely with our lawyers, are guided by a Supervising Partner and enjoy the extra support of an experienced Associate “Buddy”. You will develop practical and legal skills through our national learning program and by attending Firm-wide sessions. Throughout the Summer Clerkship, our Partners and Associates run professional development sessions on their areas of expertise , specifically for Summer Clerks.  These sessions will give you the chance to:

• build your network within the Firm;
• develop your legal skills; 
• learn about our practices, clients and Firm structure; and 
• hear about our global training and work opportunities.

We will also provide you with opportunities to network with colleagues around the Firm – through our 'speed networking' program and various social events with your buddy, our Partners and lawyers.

The majority of our Graduate positions are offered to former Summer Clerks.  We also offer our former Summer Clerks the opportunity to undertake Research Clerk and Paralegal roles with the Firm. Should you accept a Graduate position with us, you will also be eligible to apply for our unique International Clerkship program and the opportunity to work for four weeks in one of our overseas offices.

Application process

In Sydney, Summer Clerkships commence at the end of November and conclude in early February.  Each Clerk will undertake two rotations.  All applications should be addressed to Angelique Wanner, Talent Management Consultant, and should include a cover letter, as well as details of your work experience, extra-curricular activities, interests, and academic results. We do not require you to upload your CV, as the information from your CV is used to respond to the areas above.

Candidates will attend two interviews and will also be invited to an information and networking cocktail evening, which will be attended by Partners and Associates.

To be eligible for a 2018/2019 Summer Clerkship position with Baker McKenzie, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or have the right to work in a full-time role in Australia from November 2018 - February 2019. You must also be enrolled in a law degree or equivalent which will qualify you for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. At Baker McKenzie, our Summer Clerkship Program is primarily aimed at students in the penultimate year of their law degree. However, final year applicants may also be considered.

You can apply for a Sydney Summer Clerkship through our careers page. For more information about our Sydney Summer Clerkship Program, please contact Angelique Wanner, Talent Management Consultant, at angelique.wanner@bakermckenzie.com.