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First Nations Traineeship
Our First Nations Traineeship program provides an opportunity
for law students who identify as First Nations to be a part of a structured learning program and experience what it's like to work at one of Australia's leading law firms.
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.
One way we pay that respect to Traditional Custodians is to help more First Nations people walk with us in the legal profession. Through this Traineeship program, law students who identify as First Nations can get the benefits of a structured learning program, experience what it's like to work at one of Australia's leading law firms, share their knowledge and perspectives with us, and build the skills to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Walk with us
The Traineeship is a structured learning program of casual employment, training, education and mentorship over a 12 month period. You'll:
- be part of one of our teams in a dedicated area of legal practice (we have 14 National Practice Groups);
- gain exposure to, and get involved in matters on which our teams are working on for our clients (including Pro Bono work);
- receive tailored training and development programs;
- connect with people through social, volunteering, sporting and other activities;
- receive constructive feedback on how you have performed; and
- set you up for success when it comes time to apply and be considered for a clerkship and potential graduate role at the firm.
If you are a First Nations person, we encourage you to apply if you:
- identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and accepted as such by your community;
- are enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws or a Juris Doctor at an Australian university;
- can work 1-3 days per week (hours negotiable and remunerated); and
- have a positive attitude, genuine curiosity and willingness to learn.
How to apply
It's simple: fill out a short application highlighting your work experience and education while answering a few questions. Applications are currently closed and will re-open in October 2024.
We want every candidate to have equal access and opportunities, so please contact us if you need any support or reasonable adjustments to complete your application.
"The story behind the painting reflects on how I see the best part of life’s journey, it being with whom we walk with and whom we get to share our journeys with. It inspired me to think outside the box, mapping and piecing together the prospect to achieve one’s goals and build towards a career pathway. Taking this journey with us and walking alongside us will allow the next generations to emerge within their own strengths and growth to continue on this journey.
The painting also represents teaching and respectively learning from one another, of our history, our cultural, our dreamtime stories and the land we call home, ‘Australia’.
— Nancy Long , a proud South Australian Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna, Nunga woman Artist, on her work "Walk With Me".
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 lawyers 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.
That's why the support for a First Nations Trainee at every step of the way will include a First Nations adviser, a dedicated coach, and a buddy.And because life can be unpredictable, we'll work to be flexible during your time here, so that you can keep meeting your individual family, study and financial commitments.
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