Gilbert + Tobin | 2023 clerkship program

2023 Clerkship
program

Launch your career with G+T, and experience our fast-paced, stimulating workplace firsthand.

Applications

Open

SYDNEY

Monday, June 5 2023

Sunday, July 9 2023

PERTH

Monday, June 26 2023

Sunday, July 30 2023

MELBOURNE

Monday, July 3 2023

Sunday, August 13 2023

We asked our recent graduates to share their top tips to help you with your application and interview. You’ll find them all in our Clerkship Guide.

Download my guide

“

Before my clerkship with G+T, I believed university grades were the most important thing. But what you really need is a strong character – to show resilience, work under pressure, be a team player, be open to feedback, and develop critical thinking.

Ali Khan
Lawyer

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I apply for a clerkship?

• Sydney (Closed).
‍
• Perth (Closed).

• Melbourne (Closed).

What sort of work will I do?

Depending on your office location, you will work in one or two practice areas during your clerkship, based on your preferences and business needs. From your first day, you’ll be given the opportunity to test your skills and interest – you can expect to be involved in some challenging matters, and your work will be presented to clients. Often, you’ll work directly with a partner on a matter, or as part of a bigger team on larger transactions.

While every experience varies, you might be asked to draft documents and memos, carry out research, attend client meetings and court, and assist with preparing for hearings or negotiations.

Who will support me during my clerkship?

You’ll be assigned a partner, who will allocate and review your work, and a mentor who will guide you on all aspects of working with G+T. You’ll also be given a buddy, who can help with any questions about your day-to-day experience in the office.

What sort of training will I receive as a clerk?

Can I get involved in legal innovation as a clerk?

Absolutely. We embrace technology and its potential to change legal practice by improving client experience and reducing mundane tasks. So you’ll be working with many in-house tools including AI-enabled due diligence, document automation and collaboration platforms and smart search.

You’ll also have the chance to be involved in a specific innovation project during your clerkship, and do a clerk rotation with our Legal Service Innovation Team.

What sort of networking opportunities are available?

G+T is an open, friendly environment and you’ll build strong relationships with your peers, and with more experienced lawyers within your practice area. Through structured training you’ll have opportunities to connect across the firm, and you can also expect to meet clients.

Our clerks tell us their experience is fun and often leads to lifelong friendships as well as a valuable professional network. Social events include our annual Christmas Party, practice group drinks, lunch catch-ups, volunteering and sports comps.

Can I contribute to G+T’s Pro Bono practice?

All clerks have the opportunity to get involved in pro bono matters. This work may be directly related to your practice area, or you may be asked to represent G+T at community legal centres or one of our many other external community programs. If you clerk in Sydney, you may have the opportunity to work on a pro bono project, or complete a rotation in our Pro Bono team.

Can I get involved in community activities?

We’re committed to making a positive impact in our community, and there are opportunities to volunteer, such as mentoring high school students, or take part in our reconciliation initiatives, such as cultural awareness training. Our CSR program also focuses on reducing our environmental impact.

What do you look for in a clerkship application?

We want to learn who you are as an individual – what makes you stand out, what intrigues you and what you’re looking for. While there is no ‘typical’ G+T clerk or graduate, they do have a few things in common, including a curious mindset, positive energy and ambition. Your application is also a good place to showcase your strong communication skills and attention to detail.

What is the interview process, and how can I prepare?

Before you apply, it’s a good idea to talk with as many people as you can about what it’s really like to work here – visit us at career fairs or come to our presentations on campus, and take advantage of every opportunity to ask questions. We recommend you start this process early.

During the interview, we want to meet the ‘real’ you – this is your chance to show you’ll make a proactive and positive contribution to our team. But the most important thing you can do is relax. By this stage, you’ve already proven you have the academic credentials and skills we’re looking for –we want to see if you’ll fit into a team where we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and enjoy what we do.

Do you offer First Nations traineeships?

Our First Nations Cadetship lets you complete your studieswhile working with us part-time. You can apply at any stage of your degree. Learn more about our First Nations Cadetship Program.

If I don’t clerk with G+T, can I still join the firm as a graduate?

Our seasonal clerkships are the primary pathway for graduates at G+T, however we occasionally have opportunities in our Sydney office for graduating students who may have clerked elsewhere or taken up other opportunities in their penultimate or final year of studies.

Keep an eye on our 'Browse Jobs' page for active graduate vacancies.

What career opportunities are available outside the graduate program?

G+T is always looking for talented, ambitious people to join our practice groups, business operations and support areas. We also have many great opportunities for you to support our community and social initiatives, no matter what your role. If you think this sounds like a place where you’ll thrive, get in touch with our Talent Team or browse current vacancies via our Careers page.

opportunity

starts here

“

We are looking for the leaders of the future. People who will make an impact in their careers, wherever they land.

Connection
starts here

Impact
starts here

Curiosity
starts here

Inspiration
starts here

We’re building Australia’s
best corporate law firm

Experience more

2023 Clerkship
program

“

Before my clerkship with G+T, I believed university grades were the most important thing. But what you really need is a strong character – to show resilience, work under pressure, be a team player, be open to feedback, and develop critical thinking.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“

We’re on an ESG journey as a firm, and so are our clients. G+T is striving to have Australia’s best climate change practice – because social justice and a sustainable future has always been core to who we are.

“

G+T’s global reputation puts you in good stead with any top tier firm around the world. G+T made it really easy for me and kept the door open for me to return when I was ready.

“

I had high expectations of G+T and its culture, and they were exceeded in every way. The connections I made here are unlike anything I have ever experienced.

“

I think graduates today are looking for the whole package – collaborating with the best people on interesting work, being valued for their input. I feel like I’m in the perfect place for that at G+T.

your career
starts here

opportunity

starts here

“

We are looking for the leaders of the future. People who will make an impact in their careers, wherever they land.

Connectionstarts here

Impactstarts here

Curiositystarts here

Inspirationstarts here

We’re building Australia’s best corporate law firm

Experience more

2023 Clerkshipprogram

“

Before my clerkship with G+T, I believed university grades were the most important thing. But what you really need is a strong character – to show resilience, work under pressure, be a team player, be open to feedback, and develop critical thinking.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“

We’re on an ESG journey as a firm, and so are our clients. G+T is striving to have Australia’s best climate change practice – because social justice and a sustainable future has always been core to who we are.

“

G+T’s global reputation puts you in good stead with any top tier firm around the world. G+T made it really easy for me and kept the door open for me to return when I was ready.

“

I had high expectations of G+T and its culture, and they were exceeded in every way. The connections I made here are unlike anything I have ever experienced.

“

I think graduates today are looking for the whole package – collaborating with the best people on interesting work, being valued for their input. I feel like I’m in the perfect place for that at G+T.

your careerstarts here

Connection
starts here

Impact
starts here

Curiosity
starts here

Inspiration
starts here

We’re building Australia’s
best corporate law firm

2023 Clerkship
program

your career
starts here