Our Seasonal Clerkship Program is practical, informative and engaging, providing a genuine insight into what a career at Russell Kennedy is like. It offers the opportunity to connect with partners and lawyers across the firm, experience the work we do, and gain exposure to the clients we service.
To be eligible for a Seasonal Clerkship at Russell Kennedy, you must be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or holder of an Australian humanitarian visa, and be in your penultimate or final year of an Australian law degree.
In Melbourne, we offer three seasonal clerkship intakes, each running for four weeks. The first intake will take place from 16 November to 11 December 2026, followed by the second intake from 1 February to 26 February 2027. The final intake will run from 21 June to 16 July 2027.
You will be paired with both a mentor and a buddy who will help you make the most of your clerkship experience. With their guidance, you will undertake meaningful legal work, including but not limited to:
- Drafting correspondence
- Assisting with legal research
- Attending court
- Participating in client meetings
- Contributing to business development activities
- Completing work for our Pro Bono team
You will also have the opportunity to attend in-house professional development seminars and spend time with our current Law Graduates to learn about their experiences, challenges and triumphs. In addition, you will be invited to participate in a range of social and extra-curricular activities, including social club events and end of month celebrations.
We also offer three alternative streams: Access at RK, Refugee, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pathway. These clerkship streams reflect Russell Kennedy’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from students who identify as having a disability, come from a refugee background, or who identifies as a member of one or more of the First Nations of Australia. All applicants participate in the same four-week clerkship program and recruitment process. If you wish to apply through one of those streams, please submit your application via the relevant job advertisement on our website.
What We Look for in a Seasonal Clerk
Naturally, a sound academic record is an important starting point, but we also consider other attributes such as previous work experience, a commitment to commercial law and involvement in the community such as volunteer work, travel, sporting or cultural interests.
We operate in a collegiate environment, and we genuinely encourage a work-life balance. We welcome applications from people with diverse strengths, perspectives and experiences. You may bring analytical thinking, curiosity, collaboration, or other capabilities that help you contribute and learn.
If this sounds like you, we are interested in hearing from you. Please address your application to:
Vanessa Maio – People & Culture Advisor
Russell Kennedy
Level 18, 500 Bourke St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Our Firm and Culture
Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 380 people in Melbourne and Sydney. We are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market-leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.
As part of our team, you’ll receive hands-on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle. We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.
Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, as well as being certified as a gold employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for employers with 500 or less employees. We respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm supports and promotes a range of initiatives to create an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. There is a particular focus and emphasis on gender equality, inclusion of First Nations peoples, accessibility for people with disability, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and cultural diversity. Russell Kennedy is recognised by Australian Disability Network as a Disability Confident Recruiter employer.
Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent available. We acknowledge the importance of work-life balance, each candidate has access to flexible work options and workplace adjustments including alternate formats where required. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process please contact Vanessa Maio on 03 9609 6812 or [email protected].
Russell Kennedy Lawyers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet and work. Our offices are situated on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri and Gadigal peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, to their emerging leaders and to the resilience, creativity and vitality of their cultures including their laws and systems of governance.
