If you’re looking for a dynamic firm to ignite your legal career, Mills Oakley is the place for you. We’re looking for law students and graduates who share our vision of being at the cutting edge of a rapidly changing profession.

This page contains information about our Seasonal Clerkship and Graduate programs, including key dates for the hiring process.

Why Mills Oakley? We’re a leading independent national firm and we stand out from the crowd because we believe in doing things differently. We have been recognised by ALPMA as Australia’s most innovative law firm, launching the first Legal Services Accelerator in the Asia-Pacific and making strategic investments in emerging legal technology and start-ups. We are large enough to provide the challenge of diverse, high-quality work and clients, yet small enough to give you the personal attention that will help you achieve your full potential.

So, make the most of your law degree and join Australia’s most innovative firm. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Our Seasonal Clerkship program offers students the opportunity to work closely with our experienced lawyers and learn more about your chosen areas of interest. To support your development, we provide you with a buddy and mentor as well as an induction program including IT training, practice area overviews and professional skills seminars.

We understand that the beginning of your career in law is a critical building block for your future, so our program is designed to provide an insight into ‘life within a firm’ and for you to experience first-hand our open, supportive and friendly culture.

Our Seasonal Clerkship program is structured as follows:

Melbourne: A six-week clerkship, with the option of completing in summer or winter
Sydney and Canberra: An eight week summer clerkship
Brisbane and Perth: A four week clerkship over summer

All clerkships consist of two rotations through two of our practice groups.

The key dates for our Seasonal Clerkship Program appear below and follow the relevant Law Society Guidelines.

Our Firm is dedicated to fostering and sustaining a workforce that embraces diversity and inclusivity, reflecting the rich tapestry of our employees, clients, and the community. Our commitment to shaping a more inclusive future workplace for all Australians includes a focus on creating opportunities for the advancement and career growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals.

We offer our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as a genuine pledge to support the progress of First Nations communities. It serves as a valuable instrument for meaningful interaction and embodies our firm’s vision for reconciliation and the contribution we aim to make towards the advancement of First Nations. This RAP delves into Mills Oakley’s journey towards reconciliation, outlines our RAP’s evolution, highlights our pro bono initiatives, and our continued commitments.

As an employer in the legal services industry, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the breadth and depth of our field. Recognising the under-representation of First Nations individuals among our team members, we are dedicated to creating an environment of belonging. We aspire to provide aspiring First Nations lawyers with the support they need to thrive in their legal careers.

Due to commence in April 2024, our First Nations Pathway Program offers an engaging and educational experience. This three-week program provides Australian First Nations university law students with a genuine glimpse into life at Mills Oakley.

During your time in the program, you will collaborate with practitioners at all levels and actively participate in legal projects. Your contributions will be mutually beneficial, benefiting both you, our clients, and the Firm. You can expect a diverse range of learning opportunities, hands-on practical legal exposure, and mentorship from seasoned lawyers.

Participating in this program also creates a pathway for you to join our Mills Oakley Graduate Program at the completion of your law degree.

Program Eligibility:

To be eligible for our First Nations Pathway Program you must:

• Identify as a Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander;
• Be a permanent resident of Australia; and
• Currently studying a law degree.

For more information and to apply for the program, please contact us at [email protected]

You’ll kick off your Mills Oakley career with an Induction Program which will cover the basics of legal practice as well as providing a friendly introduction to key members of our practice teams. Over 12 months, you’ll rotate through three practice areas and gain a sense of your preferred career direction.

We are one of the few firms offering graduates the opportunity to experience not only the usual “big firm” practices such as Corporate, Property and Litigation, but also other areas such as Family Law, Not-for-Profit Law and our Private Advisory practice for small businesses and individuals. Have a chat with one of our friendly HR advisors to find out which practices operate in your home city.

Our firm is large enough to offer sophisticated work and small enough to immerse yourself in every aspect of a matter. You’ll be at the forefront of complex and often high profile matters, gaining practical hands-on experience and working closely with our Partners and senior lawyers.

The key dates for our Graduate Program appear below.