Law Clerk Graduate Development Program

Law Clerk Graduate Development Program

Are you currently studying law and eager to take the first step towards a successful legal career?

Cooper Grace Ward invites you to explore the opportunity to join our esteemed graduate development program as a law clerk, designed for students anticipating graduation between mid-to-late 2028.

About the program

Our graduate development program is meticulously crafted to furnish you with the essential experience, resources, and professional networks indispensable for a thriving legal career. You will benefit from continuous coaching and mentorship provided by our seasoned senior legal and non-legal professionals.

Participation in all internal training seminars and our signature annual graduate development day is highly encouraged. To support your academic commitments, we offer flexibility in working hours, ensuring a harmonious work-study equilibrium.

About the role

The role requires you to work a minimum of two days per week, which initially commences in our Knowledge Team. Here, you will conduct pivotal research and analysis, aiding our diverse legal teams across corporate and commercial, property, litigation, insurance, tax and family law. Subsequent rotations will immerse you in these teams, allowing you to accrue hands-on experience. Subject to ongoing high performance, the program provides successful students with a graduate position and ultimately a lawyer role.

We are eager to welcome individuals who are ready to ignite their legal careers and integrate into a collegial environment where your contributions are genuinely valued and appreciated. If our vision aligns with your career goals, we warmly encourage you to reach out and engage with us.

Important Dates

• Applications open: Monday, 20 July 2026
• Applications close: Sunday, 9 August 2026
• First-round interviews: Monday, 10 August to Friday, 16 August 2026
• Law Clerk information evening: Tuesday, 18 August 2026
• Second-round interviews: Wednesday, 19 August to Friday, 28 August 2026
• Offers issued by: Monday, 7 September 2026
• Commencement: 1 February 2027 with three commencing in September 2026

Why Cooper Grace Ward

Cooper Grace Ward is a leading Australian law firm servicing clients with a local, national and international presence. Since its origins in 1980, Cooper Grace Ward has established an enviable reputation through its high professional standards, outstanding client service and excellence in its chosen practice areas. With more than 20 partners and 200 team members, Cooper Grace Ward is focused upon fostering high engagement and a high-performance culture.

Our people strategy policies, integrated health and wellbeing program, technical excellence and professional development programs are designed to attract and retain the best talent, and support the ‘whole individual’, regardless of their background or stage of life. The firm has an exceptional team culture, which is backed up with many industry awards, and has a focus on developing strong client relationships, understanding clients’ businesses, and delivering outcomes that align with clients’ needs.

Our workplace policies and strong values foster a safe and inclusive work environment. Cooper Grace Wards hires a diverse workforce, including people of all genders, ages, cultures, ethnicities, those who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTIQ+ and people with disabilities.

Want to learn more about our graduate development program? View the below videos to hear from Rocco Russo (Partner – Litigation) about the program and our graduate development program alumni about their stories of launching their careers with us.

Cooper Grace Ward graduate development program on Vimeo

Cooper Grace Ward Graduate Development Program on Vimeo