Australia_Sydney_Opera House

Australia graduate program

Our Australia Graduate Program allows you to develop relevant experience and skills that will set you up in your career as a solicitor. During the twelve month program, you will have the opportunity to complete rotations in our core practice areas of insurance, injury, commercial and healthcare. Graduates will complete the Practical Legal Training (“PLT”) course through The College of Law during the program before applying for admission to be a qualified lawyer in the relevant state.

Most of our graduate positions are filled through internal paralegals, but when we do have a need for additional graduates, we will recruit graduates directly. Applications are welcomed from final year undergraduates and recent graduates.

Apply your degree to real-world challenges and build your skills for a rewarding and successful career.

How to apply?

Applicants will be asked to complete an application form on Kennedys career website. Apply here

You are required to upload the following:

  • Up to date resume;
  • Academic transcript; and/or
  • Any supporting documents.

Scoring questions:

  1. Why do you think you are suited to a career with us?
  2. Discuss a Kennedys article that you find particularly interesting.

If your application is successful, the next stage will be an interview with the selection panel in the relevant office (“round 1”). Once round 1 has been completed, the preferred candidates will meet with a Partner for a final interview before a decision is made.

Applicants will be guided through each stage of the process.

Who is this program suitable for?

To apply for the graduate program, you must expect to complete your law degree by the end of 2023, available to commence full time employment in early 2024. You will undertake the PLT during the course of your 12 month graduate program.

What’s on offer for the candidate

We offer a wide variety of training throughout your graduate program, including the opportunity to attend in-house and external seminars, whilst having access to a large array of online skills and technical learning via our learning management system. You will work closely with specialist lawyers to develop a range of technical and soft skills.

To assist with your induction, you will be assigned a senior lawyer as your mentor and supervisor (Partner) to ensure you are fully supported throughout the 12 month program.

Throughout the duration of your graduate program, you will be asked to complete the PLT with The College of Law which will be funded by the firm. Study leave is also provided.

What kind of work will I be involved in?

In order to support Partners and senior lawyers on their active files, we encourage graduates to become involved in a wide range of tasks including:

  • Legal Research
  • Preparation of chronologies
  • Assistance with preparation and drafting of legal documents such as court forms & pleadings
  • Preparation of first draft advice under supervision & direction
  • Attendance notes at meetings & summarising key information
  • Preparation of draft correspondence to parties to the proceedings and the court
  • Review of medical records & expert evidence
  • Assistance with trial preparation
  • Attendance at mediations and settlement conferences

Key Dates

We look forward to receiving your application. Applications open on 26 October 2023 for our February 2024 intakes. The closing date for applications is Sunday 12 November 2023.

Apply here

About Kennedys:

Kennedys is a global law firm specialising in insurance law and commercial disputes, with operations in over 20 countries including offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. We have a global network of offices, associations and co-operative relationships in 33 locations across UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and the Americas. We are proud to be trusted, market leading advisers in all jurisdictions. 

Find out more about all our current early careers opportunities and read about a day in the life of professionals.

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