Law Students

&

Graduates

Graduate Program

Engaging today’s law students to create tomorrow’s leaders

At Cornwalls, we value the integral role of our graduate program in shaping the future of our firm. Our Graduate Program has served as the launching pad for many of our current partners, offering law graduates a genuine opportunity to evolve into accomplished lawyers while collaborating with some of the industry’s finest professionals.

Our Graduate Program spans 12 months as a supervised workplace traineeship. During this time, trainees develop practical skills essential for legal practice. Graduates will gain hands-on experience across various practice areas, honing their abilities in client service, file management, time management, drafting, and problem-solving.

At Cornwalls, we are committed to nurturing talent and fostering professional growth from day one. Join us and embark on a journey to become an exceptional lawyer in a supportive and dynamic environment.

When you join Cornwalls as a law graduate, you can expect:

  • Immersion in our vibrant firm culture

  • A structured induction process

  • Rotations through different practice areas to broaden your experience

  • Dedicated support through a buddy and mentor

  • Engagement in regular office-based and social events

  • Participation in comprehensive training sessions

Graduate Program Dates

12 month Supervised Workplace Traineeships

Monday 17 March 2025 to Friday 20 March 2026

(2026 Traineeship program currently in place)

Melbourne 2027 Program

Cornwalls is a signatory of the LIV Clerkship guidelines

Applications open: Friday 7 August 2026

Applications close: Sunday 23 August 2026

Offers made: Wednesday 30 September 2026

Simply submit your CV, cover letter and academic transcript and a photo (headshot) to graduate@cornwalls.com.au

For further information, please contact our Melbourne Talent & Culture team at tc@cornwalls.com.au

We look for graduates with

  • varied life experiences, including previous work experience (legal and/or non-legal) as well as outside interests
  • a personable, engaging and driven approach
  • a strong and consistent academics record, and an involvement in extra-curricular activities
  • excellent communications skills, including language and interpersonal skills
  • a creative mind and a passion for technology and innovative
  • an understanding of the changing legal landscape.

Legal Traineeship Hot Tips

For Trainees By Trainees

Seasonal Clerkship Program (Melbourne)

Each year we offer a seasonal clerkship program* that coincides with the summer and winter university semester breaks. Our seasonal clerkship program gives law students the opportunity to experience life at Cornwalls.

After completing your clerkship with the firm, you will have the opportunity to be considered for a graduate role within the firm.

Application dates

Cornwalls is a signatory of LIV Clerkship guidelines

Applications open: Monday 6 July 2026

Applications close: Sunday 9 August 2026

Offer Day: Thursday 15 October 2026

Application eligibility

The law clerkship program is open to students studying a relevant law degree who are either in their penultimate or final year of study.

Students must have full working rights through Australian/New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.

Application process

Simply submit your CV, cover letter and academic transcript and a photo (headshot) to clerkship@cornwalls.com.au

Our Program Includes

  • A structured induction program
  • Exposure to real work on real files - including drafting correspondence and documents; observing lawyers in meetings, conferences, mediations or at court; and undertaking research tasks
  • An extensive support network, including an allocated mentor and buddy for guidance and support
  • Participation in practice group training sessions, practical workshops and law graduate development sessions
  • An opportunity to build your networks through meeting various partners and lawyers

*Summer intake: Monday 23 November 2026 – Friday 18 December 2026 (5 weeks)

*Winter intake: Monday 5 July 2027 – Friday 23 July 2027 (3 weeks)

If you are a law student interested in clerkship opportunities at our Brisbane or Sydney offices, please contact:

Brisbane
Email: careers@cornwallsqld.com.au

Sydney
Email: careers@cornwallsnsw.com.au

Let's hear from our Clerks

I am fortunate enough to say that I have had many positive eye-opening experiences during the 3 weeks that I was at Cornwalls.
There are many memorable moments, but I think the one that stands out the most for me was finding a mentor who was incredibly approachable and generous with their time. By openly sharing their own career journey, their struggles, and their inspirational dedication and relentless drive to surmount them, they helped me identify the skills I need to develop, where I should aim to go next, and what to focus on now to move towards my long-term aspirations.
The clerkship experience has had a profound impact on my perspective and has helped me to attain the tools I need for future success. I look forward to soaking up more learning opportunities.
Matias P-A
During my clerkship I have had the opportunity to observe court proceedings for matters that I have had a real hand in working on.
Outside of work, participating in social opportunities like the Cornwalls mixed netball team has been a highlight!
Nick B
I attended multiple client meetings, drafted legal documents, and conducted legal research all which were invaluable in my development.
The people at Cornwall’s are all collaborative, encouraging and willing to take time to help or explain things to you which is essential to becoming a future lawyer.
Sophia T
One of my favourite moments was been being trusted to prepare a Share Purchase Agreement. I received clear guidance, valuable feedback, and even had my work acknowledged to the client.
I was also invited to join the client meeting to talk through the details, which was an amazing learning experience.
Zoe K
During my rotation in the Property team, I was amazed by the trust placed in me to undertake meaningful legal research, contract reviews and preparing settlement documents. These responsibilities not only strengthened my technical skills but also provided a practical understanding of how matters progress from initial instructions through to completion.
Additionally, being able to contribute to a potential pro bono matter was equally rewarding, as it emphasised Cornwalls’ ongoing commitment to support the community and deepened by appreciation for the social responsibility inherent in legal practise.
George D

I greatly appreciated the mentorship and genuine interest shown by the senior lawyers and partners. Their willingness to let us learn through hands-on experience with interesting and challenging tasks was invaluable, truly engaging us as aspiring lawyers.

From day one, the inclusivity we’ve experienced has been so warm. Being welcomed into teams and given insight into their genuine operations has made us feel valued and part of the firm’s culture.

Madeleine H

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