Australia
Lawyers who begin their careers with Jones Day in Australia work on demanding and complex matters and help find solutions for multinational clients confronting significant legal challenges.
Jones Day's Australian lawyers advise on multi-jurisdictional mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate governance, capital markets, intellectual property (including communications and technology transactions), labor and employment, and litigation and dispute resolution.
We demand teamwork across offices and practices and between lawyers, and deliver award winning client service across the globe.
For lawyers coming to Jones Day, this means an exciting career, working without rivalry or competition, alongside more than 2,400 lawyers in 40 offices and 18 different jurisdictions. New lawyers have the opportunity to be involved in demanding and complex matters, advising multinational clients encountering globalized challenges.
Being a Clerk and Graduate Lawyer in Australia
It doesn't matter to us whether you are a graduate, postgraduate, coming from a different career, or which University you went to. We seek the best and recruit to retain.
Academic achievements are important: we expect you to have strong academics. But we are equally as interested in the person you are and the lawyer you can become.
We want our Graduates to have understood and enjoy our distinctive, non-rotational training system, the global nature of our work and our culture.
We treat you as part of the Firm from the moment you accept a Graduate offer with us and will stay in touch and support you through the end of your time at university until you arrive at the office on your first day as a Graduate.
Jones Day opened the Melbourne Office, its fourth office in Australia, in 2018 in response to Australia's growing role in the global economy, the importance of Melbourne as a center for corporate Australia, and the Firm's commitment to the country. Presence in Melbourne enhances the Firm's ability to serve clients in Australia's industrial capital, provide them with better risk assessment on global investments, and more efficiently and effectively resolve their disputes as they arise.
The Melbourne Office focuses on M&A, energy, IP, restructuring, and disputes, with an emphasis on the financial services, energy, mining, infrastructure, and pharmaceutical sectors. Our Melbourne lawyers work closely, every day, with lawyers in other Jones Day offices in Australia and around the world to ensure that we bring to bear the best resources of the Firm for our clients.
Recruiting Contacts:
Holly Sara, Regional Hiring Partner
Daniel Moloney, Hiring Partner
Catherine Davies, Recruiting Manager
Level 48
Rialto Towers
525 Collins St
Melbourne, VIC 3000
(P) + 61.3.9101.6800
(F) + 61.3.9101.6899
Jones Day's Perth Office focuses primarily on projects and project-related disputes, with an emphasis on the energy sector.
We place great emphasis on building and nurturing relationships with Jones Day offices throughout the Firm. On a local level, Perth lawyers work closely with counterparts in Brisbane and Sydney, and on a global level, they collaborate closely with colleagues at other Jones Day offices to ensure that our clients benefit from the innovative approaches a truly integrated global firm can provide.
Recruiting Contacts:
Holly Sara, Regional Hiring Partner
Dan Chaney, Hiring Partner
Catherine Davies, Recruiting Manager
Jones Day, Central Park
51/152-158 St Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000
(T) +61.8.6214.5700
Non-Rotational Training Program
We do things a little differently here, and it really works for us. The non-rotational training program is integral to our culture and success and the benefits are felt at every level.
How It’s Different
Unlike other Firms, Jones Day graduates are not assigned to ‘seats’. Instead they have the freedom to seek work across practices with any partner or team throughout their time in the New Lawyers Group. In the absence of a rigid seat system, graduates have heightened responsibility to mold their experience and manage their time. Our graduates are quickly integrated into various teams across the Firm and gain unparalleled exposure to different areas of law.
We believe the right mix of responsibility and support leaves our graduates with a valuable grounding to excel in their legal career.
Many of our partners trained here too, so they understand what it takes to make our system work. As a graduate, you’ll find them easy to approach and eager to work with you.
“The Non-Rotational Training system has developed my communication and organisation skills tenfold, and I am confident it has made me into a more mature, experienced and well-rounded lawyer.”
Why It’s Different
Jones Day graduates can influence their own mix of work, experience real responsibility and truly accelerate their development.
You will:
- See deals and cases from beginning to end. You will never have to drop an interesting case or deal to move on to another department.
- Develop strong client bonds, working closely with clients from the offset.
- Receive well- rounded training, assisting with all aspects of a transaction. There are no set ‘graduate’ tasks to hold you back.
- Hone your technical skills as a lawyer, learning different styles and techniques from many lawyers. Enjoy a seamless transition through to qualification so that your first day as a qualified lawyer feels like your last as a graduate.
You won't:
- Worry about the lottery of seat allocation.
- Do six months' intensive training in a practice you've decided is not for you.
- "Belong" to one partner or supervisor.
- Drop an interesting case/deal to move onto another seat.
Take it from one of our previous graduates...
Scott Stephan — 2021 Graduate / M&A Associate
After my overwhelmingly positive clerkship experience at Jones Day in 2019, I was fortunate enough to join the New Lawyers Group program in 2021. Despite the difficulties caused by COVID-19, Jones Day’s flexibility and understanding ensured that I could continue to gain valuable experience working on significant matters, as well as learning from and connecting with my colleagues across Australia and internationally throughout my first year as part of the program. After gaining experience in a number of areas of law, I have now settled permanently in the M&A team.
Clerkship
We run summer clerkship programs in our Sydney and Melbourne offices that offer selected positions to talented students who are at their penultimate year at university.
A Clerkship is your opportunity to spend some serious time interviewing us; and our opportunity to get to know you. Our placements replicate our graduate program as much as possible and have an emphasis on the authentic graduate experience. The experience is challenging, but gives you a real insight into life at our Firm.
What to Expect on a Clerkship
Real work
Research, drafting, preparing documents, attending client meetings and conference calls, visiting court - not just a series of workshops and seminars.
Autonomy
Flexibility to try out work from any practice area. We encourage you to experience a real mix to help you discover where your strengths and interests lie.
Inspiration
Our lawyers are always available to share their knowledge, expertise and advice to the next generation . Use this experience to find out what it’s really like to work at our Firm and be a City Solicitor.
Guidance
A mentor to answer your questions, offer advice and guidance, and help you settle in.
Community
Several opportunities to come to know people in the Firm on a social level as we organise lunches, dinners and ice breaker activities.
Review
Opportunities to meet with lawyers and the Graduate Recruitment team throughout your scheme to reflect and discuss ways to make the most of your time. We are always on hand to help.
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Clerkship Application Dates
We run Summer Clerkship Programs in Sydney and Melbourne and follow the NSW Summer Clerkship and LIV Seasonal Clerkship Scheme.
Sydney:
- Applications open at 9.00 am on 10 June 2024
- Applications close at 11.59 pm on 14 July 2024
Melbourne:
- Applications open at 9.00 am on 1 July 2024
- Applications close at 11.59 pm on 11 August 2024
Hear from our one of Clerks from Sydney 2022/2023…
My summer clerkship at Jones Day was an experience I will not soon forget. Over the course of the 8-week program, I had the opportunity to work on a wide range of interesting matters with colleagues from all corners of the world. Thanks to the unique, non-rotational structure of the program, I was able to pursue my interests and gain experience across a range of practice areas that I might not otherwise have had the chance to explore. Some highlights of my clerkship included attending hearings in the Federal Court of Australia, sitting in on client meetings, and putting my language skills to the test in a multi-jurisdictional research task. And the many social events too, of course! I also appreciated how everyone – from junior lawyers to partners – was so generous with their time, and seemed genuinely invested in my success and development as a young professional. I will always be thankful that I chose to start my legal career in such a friendly, supportive, and stimulating environment.
Sophie Sievert-Kloster, Summer Clerk, Sydney 2022/2023 and future Graduate, Sydney.
Support & Development
It is important to us that every graduate feels supported and encouraged to fulfill their potential. We recognize that the freedom our training system affords works best within a supportive and collaborative environment. Support is provided in a variety of ways:
On-the-Job Training
Learning by actually doing the work is the best form of training. We expect our graduates to seek out feedback from all senior associates and partners with whom they have worked.
Mentoring
Each graduate has a dedicated partner and associate mentor. The partner's role is to provide support on a professional and pastoral level and help with making connections around the Firm. The associate mentor is on hand to help with settling in and getting to grips with the new environment.
Seminars & Courses
We run a dedicated New Lawyers Group Development Program for all our Australian graduates. It begins with an intensive week of training during your Graduate Induction Week in Sydney, followed by weekly sessions over your first year of practice.
The program is split into three key areas: (a) introductory matters; (b) core skills for all lawyers; and (c) practice specific sessions.
New Lawyer Academy in Washington
The induction week in Sydney for all Australian graduates is supplemented by a week-long trip to Washington D.C. to attend the New Lawyer Academy. New lawyers assemble from our offices around the world to meet and network with each other and learn what it means to be One Firm Worldwide. Our Firm leaders, partners and associates talk to the new lawyers about Jones Day's culture, history, organisation and achievements and lead substantive and interactive training sessions. Every year our new lawyers take away from the Academy a sense of great pride and excitement about being part of the Firm.
How to Apply
Applications for summer clerks, graduates and experienced lawyer positions should be submitted through our application site.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Jones Day, diversity is not only enthusiastically endorsed, but diligently pursued. Diversity makes us better and helps us deliver the service our clients expect. By mentoring and promoting individuals irrespective of background, we leverage the distinct strength and experiences of an exceptionally talented group of lawyers, while enhancing the atmosphere of our Firm.
Jones Day's demonstrated commitment to diversity does not stop with recruitment. We are committed to making meaningful progress on diversity in the legal profession; to increasing diversity within the Firm; and to recruiting, retaining, and promoting the best talent, from all backgrounds.
We are proud of our accomplishments and we remain unwaveringly optimistic about the Firm because of our people, who allow us to tap the true potential of our global organisation.
Pro Bono
Jones Day is proud of its long tradition of pro bono work. The mission of the Jones Day Foundation is to:
- Promote the rule of law everywhere
- Support academic, medical, and cultural institutions with which we share a history, values, and commitments
- Improve living conditions & economic opportunities for people in impoverished settings (particularly children & women)
- Provide support & comfort to people who are victims of natural & other disasters
In Australia, our active pro bono practice enables lawyers to use their legal skills to help individuals and non-profit organisations both in the UK and internationally.
Visit the Pro Bono section of our main website to learn more about the worldwide Firm’s pro bono philosophy and global community involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
RECRUITMENT QUESTIONS
Q. How many people do you recruit as graduates and clerks each year?
A. Approximately 10-12 nationally.
Jones Day will not compromise on the quality of candidates and offers will be made to those who we believe meet the standards for success. As such, we don't have specific target number of offers but on average we hire approximately 12 clerks in our Sydney and Melbourne offices and 10-12 graduates nationally .
Q. Who can apply for clerkship programs
A. We only run clerkship programs in our Sydney and Melbourne offices. Clerkships are open to students in the penultimate or final year of their law degree are eligible for the Clerkship Program.
Q. Who can apply for graduate positions
A. We offer graduate positions in all our Australian offices. Graduate programs are open to students in the final year of their law degree or who have recently graduated.
Q. Can I apply to more than one office?
A. Yes, please put in your application which offices you are interested in.
Q. What should I include in my cover letter?
A. A cover letter should be a concise, well drafted and free of errors. It should contain a brief summary of your experience and suitability for the role. Jones Day has a different offering from other firms in the Australian market and we like to see that candidates have recognised and understood that difference and can explain why they want to work for Jones Day.
Q. Does my academic transcript need to be certified?
A. Yes please. If your current semester results haven't been released and you are invited to interview, please email through an updated copy to us.
Q. What format does the recruitment process take?
A. We start our recruitment process by inviting candidates to our Clerkship Information Evening where we tell you more about life at Jones Day. You'll hear firsthand accounts from our graduates, associates and partners. Following this, there are two rounds of interviews for our Clerkship programs. These can be in-person or online and will both be with two senior lawyers or partners. They will last approximately 30-40 minutes. The interviewers will be assessing candidates against the competencies that are essential to be a successful summer clerk, graduate and solicitor at Jones Day.
Before the interviews, all candidates have the chance to chat with a graduate or junior associate who can answer any questions the candidate may have about life at Jones Day.
INTERVIEWS AND TIPS
Q. What qualities, achievements and traits do successful candidates display?
A. As leaders in cross-border M&A and global disputes, we look for extraordinary individuals who are committed to a legal career; want to be challenged on an international platform; and can become part of our future - not just qualify with us. Successful candidates have obtained or are predicted strong results in their degree; have strong intellectual and analytical ability; good communication skills; and can demonstrate resourcefulness, drive, dedication and the ability to be a team player.
Q. What if I haven't done very well in my exams?
A. Please use your cover letter to explain any mitigating circumstances which have led to lower than expected performance.
Q. How should I prepare for an interview?
A. The interview format is designed to get the best from our candidates regardless of whether they are online or in person. Our interviewers are well versed in ensuring that candidates have a positive interview experience. To make the most of the online interview format, we have put together the attached guide containing useful hints and tips that candidates should consider before joining an online interview.
ABOUT US
Q. What Practice Areas do you have at Jones Day in Australia?
A. At Jones Day in Australia we have the following Practice Areas:
- Business Restructuring & Reorganisation
- Labor & Employment
- Intellectual Property
- Antitrust & Competition
- Global Disputes
- Energy & Resources
- Projects & Infrastructure
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Private Equity
- Tax
Q. How many Jones Day offices are there?
A. We have 40 Offices in 18 countries worldwide. In Australia our offices are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth
Q. What does One Firm Worldwide mean?
A. Jones Day is a global law firm with more than 2,500 lawyers. The Firm is distinguished by: a singular tradition of client service; the mutual commitment to, and the seamless collaboration of, a true partnership; formidable legal talent across multiple disciplines and jurisdictions; and shared professional values that focus on client needs. The Firm's more than 130 years of sustained growth in experience, reputation and successful client interaction have been
built by its dedication to a 'One Firm Worldwide' philosophy, which fosters the creation of interoffice and cross-practice teams, assembled to ensure that clients receive the best possible guidance and representation, without regard to barriers conventionally imposed by geography, borders, time zones or language.
Jones Day offers experienced lawyers a superior platform from which to develop their practices. Our global footprint attracts lawyers who seek a more cross-office, cross-practice, client-focused and team-oriented environment in which to practice. Our collaborative, global approach attracts lawyers searching for a more cross-office, cross-practice, client-focused, and team-oriented environment in which to practice.
Lawyers joining Jones Day have the opportunity to be part of a firm that has repeatedly earned high rankings for client service by the BTI Consulting Group, which bases its rankings on survey results from Fortune 1000 corporate counsel. We are proud of our unwavering commitment to client service, and expect all of our lawyers to share our dedication.
Depending on the specific needs of our offices and practices, we hire accomplished attorneys at various levels of experience. We always welcome inquiries from lawyers who share our commitment to providing outstanding client service.
Learn more about training, development and associate life.
The Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane Offices take part in the NSW Graduate Scheme, the Queensland Graduate Program and the LIV Traineeship Program.
Sydney
Applications open on 26 February 2024
Applications close on 7 April 2024
Brisbane
Applications open on 12 August 2024
Applications close on 23 August 2024
Melbourne
Applications open on 8 August 2024
Applications close on 21 August 2024
Perth
Jones Day recruits on a rolling basis in Perth and advertise opportunities through the leading universities. To apply, send your cover letter, CV and academic transcript to PerthRecruiting@jonesday.com
About our program
From the outset, graduates in the Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney offices have the opportunity to work closely with associates and partners across several practices and offices. To ensure that graduates experience a variety of work assignments, they are encouraged to introduce themselves to lawyers. The Australia offices recruit graduates in addition to our summer clerks who continue as graduates in the Firm. New lawyers attend the New Lawyer Academy, an annual event held in Washington, DC. Each fall, new lawyers assemble from our more than 40 offices around the world to meet and network with each other and learn what it means to be One Firm Worldwide. Our Firm leaders, partners, and associates teach the new lawyers about Jones Day's culture, history, organization, and achievements and lead substantive and interactive training sessions. Every year, our new lawyers take away from the Academy a sense of great pride and excitement about being part of the Firm. Graduates joining Jones Day Australia have their Practical Legal Training (PLT) course fees paid by the Firm, and PLT costs are reimbursed for those lawyers who complete PLT outside of their degrees. We are flexible as to whether PLT is completed onsite or offsite, full time prior to commencing with us, or part time while working as a graduate.
Any questions regarding the Graduate program can be directed to Catherine Davies - catherinedavies@jonesday.com
Jones Day seeks to employ the most qualified people for every position in the Firm, continually delivering superior client service through professional excellence and teamwork. We offer competitive compensation and benefits in a stimulating work environment. When a position opens, it will appear, below, along with a link to an email to which you can attach your resume and a cover letter.
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters and are not responsible for fees from recruiters or other agencies except under specific written agreement with Jones Day. We also do not accept or retain resumes that do not relate to a specific, open position or resumes of individuals who do not meet the stated minimum qualifications for the position which has been posted.
Current Opportunities:
Summary of Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
As part of a team, the Legal Support Specialist provides a high degree of administrative support for lawyers and other administrative personnel. Primary responsibilities include preparing, proofreading, and editing legal documents, document formatting, processing new business requests and opening new matters, file management, conference and travel arrangements, expense report processing, time entry, and other duties as required.
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience in a legal environment.
- Litigation experience is highly preferred.
- Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
ONLY RESUMES (C.V.s) IN .PDF FORMAT WILL BE ACCEPTED AND REVIEWED
Principals only - No search firms.
To be considered, please send a cover letter, resume and relevant results to: jacintagordon@jonesday.com.
The Jones Day offices in Sydney and Melbourne take part in the NSW Summer Clerkship Scheme and LIV Seasonal Clerkship Programs.
Sydney:
Applications open at 9.00 am on 10 June 2024
Applications close at 11.59 pm on 14 July 2024
Click here to apply.
Melbourne
Applications open at 9.00 am on 1 July 2024
Applications close at 11.59 pm on 11 August 2024
Click here to apply.
Perth
We recruit on a rolling basis in Perth and Brisbane and advertise opportunities through the leading universities in each state. To apply, send your cover letter, CV and academic transcript to PerthRecruiting@jonesday.com or Brisbanerecruiting@jonesday.com
About our programs
Summer Clerks spend 9 weeks (Sydney) and 4 weeks (Melbourne) developing their legal and commercial skills. Summer Clerks enjoy the benefits of our non-rotational training system, providing the opportunity to work across various practices. Summer Clerks work with graduates, associates and partners, engaging in a wide variety of tasks including drafting transactional documents, conducting research, attending court hearings, writing opinions, and learning about the mechanics of closing a deal. Clerks have the benefit of training sessions and seminars that provide insight into the mechanics of legal practice, as well as the substantive legal work that we do at Jones Day. Mentors and supervising partners are assigned to summer clerks to guide them through their clerkships and assist with their career development.
Any questions regarding the Clerkship programs can be directed to Jacinta Gordon - jacintagordon@jonesday.com