First Nations Traineeship
Our First Nations Traineeship is designed for university students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. It’s a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of Australia’s leading law firms and take your first step towards a successful and rewarding career.
Clayton Utz acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this Country and their ongoing connections to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. At Clayton Utz, we’re proud to support and strengthen the representation of First Nations peoples within the legal and business landscape. Our commitment to First Nations employment is central to our approach to becoming a more inclusive and diverse firm. That's why we’re focused on creating new pathways and building a workplace where you can feel a genuine sense of belonging and are empowered to shape your career with confidence.
Our commitment to creating lasting opportunities for First Nations peoples also underpins our broader Reconciliation journey. Since launching our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2010, and through our current Stretch RAP, we’ve set clear targets to make a meaningful difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Guided by our RAP Working Group and an external First Nations Adviser, we take action through our pro bono work, community partnerships, procurement practices, and the Clayton Utz Foundation to help create lasting, positive impact.
Let your journey begin with us
Our First Nations Traineeship is a paid program designed for university students who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. It’s a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of Australia’s leading law firms and take your first step towards a successful and rewarding career.
You have the opportunity to join a traineeship in one the following programs at our offices in Warrane (Sydney), Naarm (Melbourne), Meanjin (Brisbane), Boorloo (Perth), and Ngambri (Canberra).
The traineeship lasts for 12 months, where you will have the chance to complete two 6-month rotations in different Legal teams.
Supporting your journey
We understand how important it is to feel supported as you begin your career. That’s why we’ve created a dedicated network to support your journey with us every step of the way:
First Nations Adviser: A trusted adviser who understands your background and will help you navigate your career with confidence.
Dedicated Mentor: A mentor who will provide guidance, help you set and achieve your personal and professional goals, and support your development.
Inclusive Team Environment: You’ll work with a team that values inclusivity and has undertaken cultural awareness and allyship training to ensure a supportive workplace.
What you'll gain from the program
As part of the traineeship, you’ll gain valuable experience and opportunities to grow, including:
Gain real-world experience in your area of specialisation while working within one of Australia’s leading law firms.
Contribute to meaningful work across client matters and firm initiatives, including supporting our Pro Bono practice.
Benefit from learning and development opportunities to strengthen your skills and support your growth.
Contribute to community initiatives through our Community Connect program, where you’ll engage in meaningful volunteering experiences.
Expand your professional network by joining a range of social and firm-led initiatives.
We encourage you to apply if you:
Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are accepted as such by your community.
Are in your pre-penultimate year studying Law
Are available to work 2 days per week.
Have a positive attitude, a genuine curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
These positions will only be open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants. The filling of these positions is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), section 27 of the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT), section 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), section 8(4) of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic), and section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA). In New South Wales, exemption from sections 8 and 51 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) has been given under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to advertise, designate and recruit these positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only.
How to apply
Applications are now open for our 2027 traineeship – please apply here.
If you have any questions about the traineeship – please contact us.
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— Jacinta Anderson, a proud Noongar yorga with family connections to the Mineng area in the Great Southern, the Yuet area in Wheatbelt region and Whadjuk area on |
Support when you need it
We strive to be a workplace as diverse as the work we do. We are acutely aware that First Nations people are under-represented among our employees, and we want our firm to be one of belonging, where aspiring First Nations people feel supported in their ambitions.
To do that, we've been developing cultural capability across our people and practice, to build cultural safety, remove barriers, and meet the cultural needs of our people and workplace. We know we haven't gotten everything right yet, but it's a process we take seriously.
We also know life can be unpredictable, so we'll work to be flexible during your time here, so that you can keep meeting your individual family, study and financial commitments.
How to apply
Applications are now open for our 2027 traineeship – please apply here.
If you have any questions about the traineeship – please contact us.