Careers

What We Offer:

• Real and complex work: from day one, you'll work on real, challenging, and high-profile matters.
• Early responsibility: through exposure to diverse clients, from small businesses to ASX-listed companies.
• Clear career progression pathways: supported by the lowest solicitor-to-partner ratio in Australia.
• Merit-based structure: rewards performance and ensures you are inspired to shine. 
• Career development: 180-day planning sessions are run with our P&D team to assist in having robust career discussions and planning. We also run internal development programs tailored for each stage of your progression as a lawyer.
• Mentorship & feedback: you'll receive ongoing guidance from your supervising Partner and mentor.
• Other leave: permanent full-time and part-time employees of are entitled to 26 weeks paid parental leave. There is also other leave such as annual, personal, family and domestic violence, compassionate and study leave.
• Enjoy life beyond the office: one of the lowest billable targets compared to other law firms and working Australian hours.
• Culture of collaboration: networking opportunities, social events and firm-wide celebrations.
• Pro bono secondments: get involved in meaningful community work through our pro bono secondment program.
• Customised induction program: our comprehensive induction program will assist in familiarising you with our systems, processes and give real insight into our practice groups and life at HWLE.

About the Darwin Clerkship Program:

Running for 4 weeks in Summer, HWLE’s Clerkship Program is designed to give you hands-on experience and practical training to build your legal skills and knowledge, while also providing opportunities to network with practitioners across the firm. You’ll gain exposure to a diverse range of work within your allocated Practice Group, and we’ll take the time to get to know you - both professionally and personally.

At the start of your Clerkship, you’ll be paired with a Supervising Partner and a mentor who will guide and support you throughout your placement. They’ll help you develop your skills and provide detailed feedback at the end of your time with us. You’ll also take part in a tailored induction program designed to familiarise you with our systems, people, and values, ensuring you feel welcomed as a valued member of our national team.

At HWLE, we encourage a way of working that helps our people deliver great outcomes, grow their careers, and enjoy life beyond the office. During your Clerkship, you will experience what it is like to be an employee of HWLE, and you will have the opportunity to attend a variety of social and networking events hosted by the firm.

Who We Are Looking For:

We seek penultimate-year law students who embody our down-to-earth, no-fuss culture. If you are self-motivated, eager to learn, adaptable, and have excellent communication skills, you will thrive at HWLE.

Who Can Apply:

Applications are open to those who meet the following criteria:

• You are in your penultimate year of study (finishing in 2027). 
• You are studying Law at an Australian university.
• You are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

Why HWLE?

We invest in our people from the very beginning of their careers.

As a dynamic and forward-thinking firm, we are committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive professionally and personally. Our merit-based structure provides clear pathways for growth, enabling talented individuals to progress from graduate level through to partnership.

With more than 1,700 people, including over 270 partners, across offices in every Australian state and territory, we offer a truly national platform. Our diverse client base - from small businesses to ASX-listed companies - ensures that junior lawyers gain unparalleled exposure to complex and varied matters, building confidence and capability early in their careers.

We foster a culture that values excellence, collaboration and balance, ensuring our people are supported to succeed, connected across teams and inspired to achieve their full potential.

Our commitment to inclusion:

HWLE strives to create an inclusive environment where our people want and feel comfortable to bring their entire selves to work.

Varied perspectives contribute to our collective success so whatever your background, we'd love to hear from you and encourage you to apply. If you have any accessibility requirements that will enable you to participate equitably in our recruitment process, please reach out to your relevant People & Development contact for a confidential discussion.

Recruitment Process:

To apply, find information on our recruitment process and practice groups, please visit Early Careers - HWLE Lawyers.