Our programs
Shape the future together — from the start
Whether you’re early in your studies or ready to graduate, our programs offer a clear, meaningful start to your career.
From day one, you’ll be working on complex matters alongside high‑performing teams — contributing, learning and building capability through real responsibility, coaching and feedback.
You bring ambition, curiosity and ownership. We provide high‑impact work, clear expectations and the support to help you grow.
Dive In
Dive In is an introductory program that gives you an opportunity to get a head start on developing some of the core skills and experiences that you will gain during a clerkship, internship or as a paralegal at Allens. You’ll get a glimpse into a career in commercial law at a top tier firm. You’ll also get insight into the type of work you can expect, details about our business and areas of practice, plus practical tips for preparing for work in the early stages of your career.
Applications are welcomed from pre-penultimate law students (i.e. second to third year undergraduate law students or first year Juris Doctor students)
Applications for our 2026 program are now closed. Applications for our May 2027 program will open in March 2027.
First Nations Legal Internship
Our First Nations Legal Internship program is designed to give Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander law students exposure to a commercial law environment and the diverse range of practice areas we specialise in. You'll work alongside experienced lawyers and gain new insights and learning and development opportunities.
Applications are welcomed from law students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Applications for our February 2027 program will open in September 2026
Paralegal
As a paralegal at Allens, you will gain everyday insights into the workings of a commercial law firm, and gain invaluable experience working across different practice areas and matter. You’ll support talented lawyers and be exposed to a range of complex matters. A paralegal position gives you a solid grounding to apply for a clerkship or graduate position with Allens. You will network with some of the best in the profession and be immersed in the industry while finishing your law degree.
Applications are welcomed from third year or penultimate year undergraduate law students (or second year Juris Doctor).
We typically recruit our paralegals throughout the year. This varies per office, please keep an eye out on our social media channels for updates of when and how to apply.
Brisbane
We offer four-week clerkship programs in summer and winter to coincide with university holidays. You will work in one practice group, which will give you an insight into the type of work we do and the clients we work for.
Melbourne
We offer two summer clerkships and one winter clerkship program each year, coinciding with university holidays. You will spend three weeks in one practice group, which will show you the type of work we do and the range of clients we work for.
Perth
We offer two summer clerkships and one winter clerkship program each year, coinciding with university holidays. You will spend three weeks in one practice group, which will show you the type of work we do and the range of clients we work for.
Sydney
We run one 10-week summer clerkship program where you will complete two rotations in different practice groups.
Applications for the 2026/2027 program are now open and will close on Sunday, 12 July. Please click here to apply.
Allens Graduate Program
Join our graduate program and build a strong foundation for your legal career.
As a graduate at Allens, you’ll complete two 12 month rotations across different practice areas, giving you broad exposure to how our teams work with clients and each other. We don’t work in silos, so you’ll work with different partners and teams — building technical skills, commercial judgement and confidence through work that carries real consequence and day to day feedback.
You’ll be involved in complex transactions and advisory matters for leading organisations, alongside people who set high standards and support you to meet them. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for a client or international secondment to London or Asia through our Linklaters alliance.
You bring ambition, curiosity and ownership. We provide meaningful work, real responsibility, and the coaching and feedback to help you build capability and contribute with confidence.
Most of our graduate positions are filled through our clerkship programs. Where we have additional requirements, we recruit directly from final year students and recent graduates.
Our graduate program runs across all Australian offices and starts in February each year.
Learning and development
During the program, you’ll learn from some of the brightest legal minds in Australia in an environment where high performance is expected and supported.
We’ll work with you to build a strong foundation of legal and professional capability, and the judgement, adaptability and commercial perspective needed to succeed in a profession being reshaped by technology, changing client expectations and new ways of working.
Through Allens Academy, you’ll have access to a range of development opportunities designed to build your capability, including:
- Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (developed with the University of New South Wales)
- Practical legal seminars through our Cornerstone program
- A personalised one‑week induction program
- On‑the‑job training and supervision
- Ongoing coaching and mentoring from your performance coach, partner and buddy
- Workshops and online learning to build business, professional and digital skills
You’ll be encouraged to take ownership of your development, seek feedback and continue building your capability throughout the program.
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
Our Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, delivered in partnership with the University of New South Wales, supports your transition from law student to practitioner.
The program is closely aligned with our training, processes and work practices — building the practical skills required for admission and helping you apply what you learn in the context of real client work.
Alongside your broader development, it helps you build the capability, judgement and confidence needed at this stage of your career, with admission typically taking place mid‑year.
Before you apply
Gather your documents
When you apply for any of our programs you will need to submit a copy of your resume, current academic transcript(s) and any supporting visa information if you hold a working visa. You will also be asked to provide a cover letter. We suggest gathering these before you begin your online application.
Prepare yourself for the next steps
After submitting your application, we'll get in touch to let you know the next steps. These will differ depending on the program you've applied for. If you've applied for a clerkship, you'll be prompted to complete an online diversity assessment (this is optional) as well as a strengths-based assessment (this is required). If you’re successful in progressing to the next stage, you’ll be invited to attend our Insider Access clerkship recruitment event, and attend an interview. For more information about our clerkship application process and tips from our team, please click the link below.
Select your location below to apply
Clerkship
Applications for the 2026/2027 program open on Monday, 13 July and close on Friday, 7 August.
First Nations Legal Internship
Applications for our February 2027 program will open in September 2026.
Dive In
Applications for our 2026 program are now closed. Applications for our May 2027 program will open in March 2027.
Reconciliation Action Mentoring Program
Applications for this program are open year round.
Learn more
Clerkship
Applications for the 2026/2027 program open on Monday, 6 July and close on Sunday, 9 August.
First Nations Legal Internship
Applications for our February 2027 program will open in September 2026.
Dive In
Applications for our 2026 program are now closed. Applications for our May 2027 program will open in March 2027.
Clerkship
Applications for the 2026/2027 program open on Monday, 22 June and close on Sunday, 26 July.
First Nations Legal Internship
Applications for our February 2027 program will open in September 2026.
Dive In
Applications for our 2026 program are now closed. Applications for our May 2027 program will open in March 2027.
Clerkship
Applications for the 2026/2027 program are now open and will close on Sunday, 12 July. Please click here to apply.
First Nations Legal Internship
Applications for our February 2027 program will open in September 2026.
Dive In
Applications for our 2026 program are now closed. Applications for our May 2027 program will open in March 2027.