HWLE Lawyers

6 opportunities

Australia

1001-5,000 employees

Company Overview

Website: https://hwlebsworth.com.au/graduate-centre/

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.

HWLE has a preference for small, dedicated teams to maximise efficiency whilst ensuring costs are managed appropriately. However, our size and breadth of expertise ensures that we are able to rapidly expand the resources allocated to your matters as and when required.

Practice Groups

Across our office we have 13 Practice Groups

Banking & Finance
Commonwealth Government
Construction & Infrastructure
Corporate & Commercial
Environment & Planning
Health
Insurance (General)
Insurance (Statutory Classes)
Litigation
Pro Bono
Property
Transport
Workplace Relations & Safety

Application Process

Note: In the relevant state, we follow the QLS, LIV, LSNSW, Blackstone Society and Uniform Clerkship Scheme guidelines.

Application
To apply for a Clerkship or Graduate Program, you will be required to complete the online Application Form. Please attach a copy of your academic transcript and CV along with any additional supporting documentation that you would like us to consider. You will also be asked to answer several short-response questions. The information provided will allow us to obtain an overview of your skills, your previous experiences and your suitability for the Clerkship/Graduate Program.
Application Screening

Our Talent team will review your application against predefined eligibility and selection criteria to allow each applicant the opportunity to be assessed equally and objectively.
Head Start with HWLE

This event will encompass both individual and group-based activities designed to assess your analytical, problem-solving, communication and leadership skills, and will run for approximately three hours. You will have the opportunity to meet with partners, solicitors and previous clerks/grads of the firm.
Interview

This stage will involve an individual interview with the selection panel to enable a final consideration of your knowledge and cultural alignment with HWLE. This is generally 45 mins with a Partner and either Special Counsel or Senior Associate from two different practice groups.
Offer

Successful candidates will be notified by your interviewer or our P&D team. Upon acceptance of a verbal offer, a written offer will be provided to the successful candidate.

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 reasonable accessibility requirements that will enable you to participate equitably in our recruitment process, please reach out to your relevant P&D contact for a confidential discussion.

Jobs and Opportunities

2026 Darwin Clerkship Program

Clerkships • Darwin (Australia)

Law

The Darwin Clerkship Program is 4 weeks of placement in one of our commercial law practice groups. Applications are open from 6 July - 9 August. Apply now!...

2026/27 Melbourne Clerkship Program

Clerkships • Melbourne (Australia)

Law

The Melbourne Clerkship Program is 4 weeks of placement in Summer and 4 weeks in Winter, in one of our commercial law practice groups. Applications are open from 6 July - 9 August. Apply now!...

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When do we hire?

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