Australia early careers

Launch your career with us and be exposed to unlimited development opportunities in an environment where you can be your authentic self.

During our summer clerkship program you will gain practical experience working alongside A&O Shearman lawyers on real deals and matters.

In addition to your legal work, you will attend training sessions and presentations aimed at broadening your understanding of our business and helping you to develop the skills you need to be a successful commercial lawyer. Recent summer clerks have worked on a client pitch project, an interactive deal walk-through and a mock transaction. But it’s not all about work. Our summer clerkship program features numerous opportunities to meet and socialise with other A&O Shearman people – both in the office and outside.

Just as our summer clerkship program is a good way to get to know us, it is a good way for us to get to know you. During your time with us, we gather feedback on all our clerks, and many go on to secure a graduate offer and start their legal career with us. Our ten-week program is designed for penultimate year law students.

2024 key dates

• Applications open on 10 June 2024
• Applications close on 14 July 2024
• Interviews commence in the first week of August 2024
• Offers* are made on 11 September 2024
• Summer Clerkship program between 25 November 2024 to 31 January 2025

*Offers will be made from 11 September 2024. All offers must be accepted or declined by 5pm on 12 September 2024.

Academic achievement is essential to make it into the world of law, but don’t forget to make the most of your extra-curricular activities and work experience to show that you are an ambitious, well-rounded candidate.