At Dentons, we don’t just offer clerkships—we offer the foundation for a thriving legal career.
As the world’s largest law firm, we’re driven by a clear purpose: redefine possibilities. Together, everywhere. Our Adelaide office is proud to offer a Law Clerkship Program that goes far beyond the traditional. This is your chance to experience what it’s like to work at a global firm while building your legal career.
Our Adelaide Clerkship Program is designed to support your growth in every way—developing your legal technical expertise, sharpening your commercial acumen, and providing meaningful opportunities to build both your professional and personal capabilities.
What to expect
- A full-time, four-week placement where you’ll work alongside talented legal professionals on real matters for real clients;
- Immersive learning through structured training, hands-on work and mentoring;
- Exposure to high-quality work in a collaborative and inclusive team environment that values your voice and ambitions;
- Opportunities to contribute to Dentons’ pro bono work; and
- A firm culture that is deeply committed to its clients, people, and the wider community.
We’re seeking motivated and ambitious law students in their penultimate or final year of study who:
- Have demonstrated strong academic performance;
- Are genuinely passionate about the law and commercial client service;
- Thrive in a team-based, fast-paced, and forward-thinking environment;
- Are eager to learn, grow, and contribute from day one; and
- Are interested in a graduate role in Adelaide or elsewhere in Australia with Dentons.
As part of your clerkship, you’ll have the opportunity to nominate a preferred practice group. While placements are subject to business needs, we’ll do our best to accommodate your interests. In Adelaide, our practice areas include:
- Banking & Finance
- Corporate
- Employment & Safety
- Intellectual Property & Technology
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Migration
- Real Estate
- Recovery and Restructuring
Intakes
We will be running two clerkship intakes: the first from 24 November to 19 December 2025, and the second from 19 January to 13 February 2026. You must be available to work full-time, five days per week during the clerkship.
Our office
At Dentons’ Adelaide office, we work with purpose to provide high quality service to our clients. Our commitment to community and pro bono work is deeply embedded in our culture. We proudly support JusticeNet SA, including active participation in the annual Walk for Justice. Our team also provides volunteer legal advice to women experiencing homelessness through our partnership with Catherine House. Additionally, we foster a vibrant and inclusive workplace by hosting in-house art exhibitions, supporting local artists and community organisations.
Our office has a warm, social culture where connection and collaboration are encouraged. Educational and social events provide opportunities to get to know your colleagues and build lasting relationships.
Application process and key dates
Applications open: Monday 7 July, 9:00am
Applications close: Friday 1 August, 5:00pm
Interviews commence: Monday 11 August
Offers made: Monday 15 September, 9:00am
Offers accepted by: Thursday 18 September, 11am
If you’re interested in applying for our Adelaide Clerkship Program, applications will be accepted through our Careers in Australia webpage from 7 July 2025.
To ensure your application is considered, you must include a CV, cover letter, and academic transcript. Please note that incomplete applications or those submitted via email will not be accepted.
Testimonials from previous clerks
Mia. D – Summer Clerkship 2023 (Law Graduate)
“I completed a summer clerkship at Dentons where I was immediately involved in a wide range of disputes and litigation matters. From the outset, I found that the team at Dentons was invested in my development as a lawyer. I was given a variety of tasks and received feedback from senior lawyers, who also took the time to share insights from their own careers as a lawyer in a commercial firm.
Everyone made an effort to provide the clerks with support, particularly our assigned buddies, and involve the clerks in firm-wide social events. The experience helped solidify my interest in pursuing a career in private practice and develop my practical legal skills beyond what I had learnt at university.”
Jess. D – Summer Clerkship 2025 (Law Clerk)
“During my four-week clerkship with the Employment and Safety team at Dentons, I gained invaluable insights into legal practice and deepened my understanding of workplace law. I had the opportunity to undertake detailed legal research, write case notes, and assist in the preparation of briefs – all of which strengthened my analytical thinking, legal writing, and attention to detail. With the support and mentorship of highly experienced practitioners, I was able to build confidence in navigating complex legal issues and contribute meaningfully to ongoing matters.
The collaborative and welcoming culture at Dentons made me feel supported and valued throughout the experience, and I am grateful for the professional development, connections, and practical knowledge I gained, which continue to benefit my academic and career journey.”
Kyla. D – Summer Clerkship 2025 (Law Clerk)
“Completing my summer clerkship at Dentons was formative and insightful. From the beginning I was exposed to a wide range of matters across broad areas of law. I had the opportunity to assist with a wide variety of tasks and continually received valuable feedback from senior lawyers. The experience allowed me to apply what I had learnt in university to an array of matters.
Everyone at Dentons is approachable and supportive, always willing to explain complex legal concepts or provide insights into private practice. The clerkship affirmed my interest in pursuing a career in law and provided the opportunity to refine my practical legal skills.”