Davies Collison Cave Law (DCCL) offers a focused Intellectual Property (IP) Law clerkship program. The program enables you to gain hands on experience in a Top Tier IP law firm, working alongside world leading IP lawyers.
The work you will undertake will be contentious and uncontentious IP work, including major IP litigation (often international), covering all the IP statutory regimes, Australian Consumer Law and associated contractual, administrative, procedural and evidentiary law. At DCCL you have the opportunity to begin your IP law career from the day you start your clerkship!
The DCCL Seasonal Clerkship Program
Our three-week clerkship program is designed to immerse you in intellectual property law from day one.
At DCCL we believe the best way to learn is by doing - so instead of sitting through weeks of induction, you will hit the ground running. Your experience will include working alongside and being supervised by our Principals and senior practitioners on real matters.
Our clerkship is hands-on, providing experience across a wide range of industries and cutting-edge technologies, with both our local and international clients.
Whether it is researching to assist in shaping legal strategy or supporting a global brand’s IP portfolio, you will be right in the middle of the action - learning, contributing, and making an impact.
Benefits of a Clerkship at DCCL
- Work directly with world leading IP lawyers on a variety of case work.
- Mentorship from practice principals, and senior lawyers
- Buddy system, where you will be paired with a junior lawyer.
- Attendance at social events, where you will meet and network with principals and professional staff across the firm.
- Personalised, one-on-one learning and development in IP law.
Due to the success of the DCCL seasonal clerkship program over the years, we will recruit our Melbourne 2028 graduates from our seasonal clerkship candidate pool.
About DCCL
Davies Collison Cave Law is the associated intellectual property legal practice to Davies Collison Cave (DCC). Davies Collison Cave has been servicing clients for over 145 years from its major offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. DCCL practises across all states and territories and regularly conducts litigation in each of the state Federal Court registries, Full Federal Court, Administrative Tribunals and occasionally the High Court of Australia. DCCL is consistently ranked in the top tier of IP litigation and commercialisation firms.
Our practitioners are consistently recognised as being amongst the best in Australia and worldwide. We have a vast network of top tier clients and international networks of associates which provide us with top quality IP work. We invite you to find out more about DCC and DCCL by visiting our website at dcc.com.
The key attributes we are looking for in a Seasonal Clerk
- You must be completing your penultimate year of a law degree.
- A science or engineering qualification in addition to your law degree is beneficial but not essential.
- Strong English communication skills, both verbal and written.
- A penchant for carrying out analytical and detailed work.
- An appreciation for the delivery of superior client professional services.
- A personal drive and motivation, friendly disposition and team orientation.
- An excellent academic record.
- Proven time management skills.
To complete your application, you will need:
- CV
- Academic transcript
- Cover letter addressing your interest in intellectual property and Davies Collison Cave Law.
Our people are our greatest asset. To deliver excellence in our work, we recognise authenticity and inclusion are the foundations that support that. We value diverse perspectives and believe they drive better thinking, stronger collaboration, and more innovative outcomes. We encourage everyone to apply.
Applications for 2026/27 clerkships with DCCL’s Melbourne team open on 9am Monday 6 July 2026 and close on 11.55pm Sunday 9 August 2026.
