Australia
Based in our Sydney, Melbourne and Perth offices
Show meThe number of graduate positions we offer differs year on year, but typically we recruit around 10 graduates for our offices across Australia.
Introduction
As a graduate, you will work side-by-side with our partners and lawyers over the course of our two-year program, learning from leaders in their field of practice as you immerse yourself in our collaborative and connected culture.
You will get involved in practical legal work from the outset while completing four six-month rotations across our practice groups. We want to make sure that by the end of the program you will be a well-rounded professional ready to forge a career in the law.
Connect your career at Pinsent Masons
We understand that choosing a law firm to start your career is a huge decision. You want to be sure that the firm is invested in developing you and providing you with the opportunities to grow as a lawyer and as a person.
We are committed to your professional development and to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace for you to thrive, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work.
A career at Pinsent Masons means being at the centre of a world of opportunities
Connect with colleagues who are working on some of the most important and market-leading matters in Asia Pacific, including those driving the transition to renewable energy and building vital large-scale infrastructure.
Work alongside partners and lawyers with a true interest in developing you and providing you with the client and work opportunities to help you develop into an industry leader.
Be a part of our global Pinsent Masons network. With 27 offices across four continents, we are a rapidly growing law firm that combines regional expertise with a thriving global platform.
Connect with your passion. Choose the direction of your career, engage with the local communities in which we operate and lead on the issues that mean the most to you.
We are only able to consider candidates with full working rights in Australia. If you are on a Visa, please include full details and supporting documents in your application form.
If you don’t meet the above criteria but you have mitigating circumstances, please contact us.
Dates for the opening and closing of applications for our graduate program are in line with the relevant state’s law society guidelines.
The same is true for the date guidelines for making and accepting graduate offers.
For Sydney this will be at the start of the calendar year and for Melbourne in the second half of the year.
At Pinsent Masons we do things a bit differently and look for high performers who are not afraid to try new things and question the status quo.
We’re looking for individuals who have a passion for what we do. You’ll be curious, with a thirst for learning and developing yourself. You’ll be down to earth and have a desire to become an exceptional commercial lawyer.
We want lawyers who bring their own unique experience to the firm, and who meaningfully connect with their colleagues and clients.
In return, we provide an environment where our lawyers can drive their development, work flexibly and learn fast.
Graduate salaries are benchmarked against market rates in Australia and reviewed each year. This ensures that, alongside the outstanding training program we offer, we also deliver an attractive and competitive remuneration package.
The firm will support you in your completion of your Practical Legal Training (PLT) through the College of Law.
You will be able to access study leave to focus on your course, and have on-going support from your mentor, buddy and supervisor to put you in the best possible position.
What is the recruitment process?
Our recruitment process is designed to connect you with a wide variety of people at our firm, so you can get an in-depth understanding of who we are, our culture and the work that we do.
As a starting point, when you are considering an opportunity with Pinsent Masons, we encourage you do your research about our firm and identify what it is about us that appeals most to you.
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01. Online Application
Apply through our online application system. Read the questions, think about your responses and double-check everything before submitting. Be sure to include an up-to-date CV, a cover letter outlining your reasons for applying and your most recent academic transcript.
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02. 1st Interview
If you've been shortlisted, you'll be invited to a first-round interview with a Senior Associate or Special Counsel and a HR representative. During the interview, you'll be asked questions about your studies, work experience and is a chance for us to get to know you better. You'll have the opportunity to ask us questions about the firm.
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03. 2nd Interview
A second-round interview will then take place for those who have made it through the first round. Along with this being another opportunity to meet with more of our people, you will also be asked to prepare and deliver a presentation to our interviewers on a particular question or topic. Don’t panic - you will be provided with all the detail you need well in advance!
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04. Offer
From there, we will conduct reference checks and if you've been successful, an offer to join our program will come your way.
Graduate retention
Our investment in your training means we’ll do everything possible to continue your career with us upon the completion of your program. We manage the number of graduates in the firm to maximise retention, whilst supporting the business. To do so, you will be given the highest quality of work, allowing you to quickly learn, develop and succeed.
Continuous professional development
After your program, you can look forward to an ongoing variety of development opportunities that will enable you to become a specialist in your chosen area. With a wide range of courses available through the Pinsent Masons Academy, as well as in your practice area, you’ll have plenty of scope to develop your technical and soft skills, add to your responsibilities and build a successful career.
How to apply
To start your application, please click on apply now. Please note we will require the following documents:
- CV
- Current academic transcript (s)
- Cover letter
If your application is missing any of the above, we will not be able to consider your application.
Frequently asked questions
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How many graduate positions do you offer each year?
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Do I get to choose my rotations?
We consider your preferences for each rotation and do our best to accommodate those to ensure you rotate across as many of our practice groups as possible. However, we also balance our business needs, and for that reason sometimes we may not be able to get you to your preferred practice group.
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What is your retention rate?
Retention of our graduates at the completion of the program is driven by business needs and the performance of our graduates. Whilst we aim to retain as many possible, it’s a good idea to keep an open mind about the practice area that you’d like to settle in.
Early Talent
Want to find out more about our work experience, apprenticeships, vacation placements or training contracts? You’ll find everything you need here.
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