Seasonal Clerkships
Our seasonal clerkship program is the best way to see what a future with us would look like.
As a clerk at Johnson Winter Slattery, you will have the chance to:
- Work alongside leading lawyers across our national network on complex legal matters.
- Gain hands-on experience in a variety of practice areas.
- Benefit from mentoring support and a structured development program.
- Contribute to our pro bono practice, making a meaningful impact.
- Be part of a supportive, hard-working, and social firm culture.
Types of work clerks get involved with include:
- Legal Research: Conducting research on various legal issues, cases, and statutes to assist with ongoing matters and case preparation.
- Drafting Documents: Preparing drafts of legal documents such as contracts, memos, briefs, and correspondence.
- Case Analysis: Analysing case law and legal precedents to support arguments and strategies for current cases.
- Client Interaction: Participating in client meetings, drafting client emails, and helping prepare for client presentations.
- Document Review: Reviewing documents for relevance and privilege, often in the context of discovery in litigation.
- Attending Court and Meetings: Observing court proceedings, mediations, depositions, and other legal meetings to gain practical insights.
- Administrative Support: Assisting with filing, organizing documents, and other administrative tasks as required.
- Project Assistance: Working on specific projects assigned by lawyers or partners, which may include preparing reports or summaries.
- Due Diligence: Assisting with due diligence processes in transactions, including reviewing and summarizing financial and legal documents.
This diverse range of tasks is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the legal profession and help you determine your areas of interest and expertise.
Sydney
The Sydney office offers an eight-week summer clerkship program that includes two practice group rotations. This program serves as a key pathway to graduate roles, with clerks typically receiving a graduate offer for the following year upon completion.
Key Dates
- Applications open - Wednesday, 11 June 2025
- Applications close - Sunday, 13 July 2025
- Offers made - Wednesday, 10 September 2025
- Offers accepted/ declined - Thursday, 11 September 2025 by 1:00 pm
Clerkship Program Dates
- 24 November 2025 to 6 February 2026. (includes a two-week break over the Christmas and New Year period)
Melbourne
The Melbourne office offers a four-week seasonal clerkship program with four intakes throughout the year – two in summer, one in autumn, and one in winter.
While graduates are primarily recruited through our seasonal clerkship programs, we occasionally consider open market applications.
During the four-week clerkship, clerks in Melbourne will work with all partners and practitioners in the Melbourne office, gaining experience and exposure to a wide range of practice areas and various matters.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: Monday, 7 July 2025
- Applications Close: Sunday, 10 August 2025
- Offers Made: Thursday, 16 October 2025
- Offer Acceptance Deadline: Friday, 17 October 2025 by 10:00 AM
Clerkship Program Dates
- Summer 1: 24 November 2025 – 19 December 2025
- Summer 2: 27 January 2026 – 20 February 2026
- Autumn: 7 April 2026 – 1 May 2026
- Winter: 22 June 2026 – 17 July 2026
Brisbane
The Brisbane office offers a four-week seasonal clerkship program with four intakes throughout the year – two in summer, one in autumn, and one in winter.
While graduates are primarily recruited through our seasonal clerkship programs, we occasionally consider open market applications.
During the four-week clerkship, clerks in Brisbane will work with all partners and practitioners in the Brisbane office, gaining experience and exposure to a wide range of practice areas and various matters.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: Monday, 14 July 2025
- Applications Close: Friday, 8 August 2025
- Offers Made: Wednesday, 8 October 2025
- Offers Accepted/ Declined: Thursday, 9 October 2025 by 5:00pm
Clerkship Program Dates
- Summer 1: 24 November 2025 – 19 December 2025
- Summer 2: 27 January 2026 – 20 February 2026
- Autumn: 7 April 2026 – 1 May 2026
- Winter: 22 June 2026 – 17 July 2026
Adelaide
The Adelaide office offers a four-week seasonal clerkship program with three intakes throughout the year – two in summer and one in winter.
While graduates are primarily recruited through our seasonal clerkship programs, we occasionally consider open market applications.
During the four-week clerkship, clerks in Adelaide will work with all partners and practitioners in the Adelaide office, gaining experience and exposure to a wide range of practice areas and various matters.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: Monday, 7 July 2025
- Applications Close: Friday, 1 August 2025
- Offers Made: Monday, 15 September 2025
- Offers Accepted/ Declined: Thursday, 18 September 2025
Clerkship Program Dates
- Summer 1: 24 November 2025 – 19 December 2025
- Summer 2: 27 January 2026 – 20 February 2026
- Winter: 22 June 2026 – 17 July 2026
Perth
The Perth office offers a three -week seasonal clerkship program with four intakes throughout the year – two in summer, one in autumn, and one in winter.
While graduates are primarily recruited through our seasonal clerkship programs, we occasionally consider open market applications.
During the three-week clerkship, clerks in Perth will work with all partners and practitioners in the Perth office, gaining experience and exposure to a wide range of practice areas and various matters.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: Monday, 23 June 2025
- Applications Close: Sunday, 27 July 2025
- Offers Made: Friday, 12 September 2025
- Offers Accepted/ Declined: Friday, 12 September 2025 by 1:00pm
Clerkship Program Dates
- Summer 1: 24 November 2025 – 12 December 2025
- Summer 2: 27 January 2026 – 13 February 2026
- Autumn: 7 April 2026 – 24 April 2026
- Winter: 22 June 2026 – 10 July 2026
Canberra
The Canberra office offers an eight-week summer clerkship program that includes two practice group rotations. This program serves as a key pathway to graduate roles, with clerks typically receiving a graduate offer for the following year upon completion.
Key Dates
- Applications open - Wednesday, 11 June 2025
- Applications close - Sunday, 13 July 2025
- Offers made - Wednesday, 10 September 2025
- Offers accepted/ declined - Thursday, 11 September 2025 by 1:00 pm
Clerkship Program Dates
- 24 November 2025 to 6 February 2026. (includes a two-week break over the Christmas and New Year period)
How to Apply
1. Complete the application form:
Click here to submit your application and join our clerkship program. Applications should include a cover letter, CV and latest academic transcript.
2. Attend a Clerkship Presentation
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an evening presentation followed by casual drinks at our offices before their interviews. Attendance is required for all interview candidates, providing an opportunity to connect with our lawyers and gain deeper insight into the firm.
3. Attend an interview:
The interview process is an opportunity to meet in person, discuss your application, and gain deeper insight into life at JWS. It provides a clearer understanding of what to expect during your clerkship, graduate role, and future career with the firm.