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Corrs Chambers Westgarth

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4.6
  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Corrs Chambers Westgarth Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Law

Corrs Chambers Westgarth is Australia’s leading independent Australian law firm. We’re known and respected for delivering legal excellence, exceptional client service and outstanding results.

Through our long-term relationships with leading law firms across the world, we advise on the most significant global matters and connect with the best lawyers internationally to provide our clients with the right team for every engagement.

At Corrs, you’ll enjoy the benefits of working alongside a high-performing team with a shared commitment to our culture of excellence, collaboration, commitment and respect.

For almost two centuries, we’ve been advising our clients on their most complex challenges. We’re the firm of choice for many of the world’s most significant organisations – from large corporations to governments, banks and financial sponsors.

Areas of practice

The firm has 17 main operating practice groups:

  • Arbitration
  • Banking & Finance
  • Class Actions
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Competition
  • Corporate
  • Employment and Labour
  • Environment and Planning
  • Energy and Natural Resources
  • Financial Sponsors Group
  • Intellectual Property
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Projects and Construction
  • Property & Real Estate
  • Restructuring, Insolvency and Special Situations (RISS)
  • Tax
  • Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT)

Why Corrs?

Corrs lawyers are known for their strategic approach with clients. We don’t just focus on legal advice, we provide our clients with strategic guidance to help them mitigate risks and achieve their business goals.

Our lawyers work together across practice groups to deliver exceptional results and support you in building your future, wherever you want to take it.

Our success is based on the success of our people. We encourage individuals to play to their strengths. And we bring our diverse and talented lawyers together to create top-performing teams.

The combination of these factors creates a firm that celebrates its independence, is open to new ideas, has the courage to think and act differently from the rest of the market, and thrives on new challenges and opportunities. Corrs offers graduates:

  • Opportunities to work on high-profile and complex matters
  • Mentoring by leading partners
  • International secondment opportunities to premium independent firms in locations such as New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo
  • Scholarships to study at leading international universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard
  • Opportunities to contribute to our award-winning pro-bono program

More than just work

We provide opportunities for professional and personal growth for both legal and business services staff.

We take our work seriously but we also recognise the importance of looking after ourselves and having fun.

We encourage staff to be socially active and participate in social and sporting events as well as learning and development activities.

Some of our activities include mixed netball, pilates and yoga, touch football, cricket day, Friday night drinks, family days, trivia nights, End of Financial Year party and Christmas Party. Corrs also provides flexible work arrangements, paid study leave, salary sacrificing and opportunities to give back to the community.

Corrs recognises the importance of health and wellbeing and is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace through a range of programs and policies. Our wellbeing program provides a range of initiatives to assist people in maintaining good overall health. Importantly, we also recognise the role a person’s manager plays in their wellbeing and we place emphasis on effective ‘everyday leadership’ and have processes in place to monitor a person’s welfare and workload.

Global Network

Our quality, integrity and independence have enabled us to form strong long-term relationships with leading law firms around the world.
We participate in the most significant global matters and connect with the best lawyers internationally to provide our clients with the right team for every engagement.

We are also at the forefront of some of the most high-profile public international law matters in our region, assisting governments and corporations with the resolution of highly complex cross-border disputes.

International Opportunities

We invest in international experiences that help our lawyers grow their skills, cultural understanding and relationships worldwide.

Secondments - We offer international secondment opportunities to financial hubs including New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. The Corrs global network includes over 45 firms in 20 countries.

Scholarships - 
Our International Study Scholarship supports the continuing professional development of exceptional legal staff. The Scholarship provides financial support for the completion of further study at Oxford, Cambridge or a US equivalent (full-time on campus).

Pro bono and community

From local schools to global organisations, we have a long and proud history of helping those in need.

As a graduate lawyer, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to pro bono matters. We perform around 20,000 hours of pro bono and volunteer work each year, helping those who need it most.

Corrs specifically provides pro bono legal services for disadvantaged individuals who might not otherwise have access to legal representation.

We are the principal legal partner for the United Nations Refugee Agency in Australia. Other organisations we work with and support as part of our pro bono and community program include Hagar Australia, Justice Connect, The Salvation Army, The Big Issue, Very Special Kids, Oxfam and more.

In Melbourne, our work with Justice Connect sees graduates helping people facing disadvantage who are ineligible for legal aid and cannot afford a lawyer. Our Melbourne office runs a Homeless Law Clinic at VACRO and our Workplace Relations Team provides assistance through the WestJustice Employment Law Service and the Fair Work Commission Workplace Advice Service.

In Sydney, our work with Justice Connect and the Homeless Persons Legal Clinics we run in Newtown and Bondi Beach sees graduates helping people facing disadvantage who are ineligible for legal aid and cannot afford a lawyer. 

In Brisbane, Corrs provides pro bono legal advice to a wide range of charitable and not for profit organisations. In association with LawRight, Corrs runs the Refugee Civil Law Clinic at Multicultural Australia, which provides free legal advice and assistance to refugees, humanitarian entrants, asylum seekers and temporary protection visa holders. We also participate in LawRight’s Self Representation Service, providing free advice and assistance to self-represented parties in the civil jurisdictions of the Queensland Supreme and District Courts, and the Brisbane registry of the Federal Court. Corrs also provides a secondee to LawRight.

In Perth, Corrs provides legal representation and support services through our work with the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA; the Employment Law Centre, an independent, not for profit community legal centre specialising in employment law; and the Street Law Centre, a free outreach legal service for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in WA. For each of these, Corrs provides a secondee one day a week. The Perth office also supports Law Access by providing legal advice and administrative secondees sourced from our legal assistants.

Diversity and inclusion

Our success relies upon attracting, retaining and providing development opportunities to talented people with diverse ideas, backgrounds and experiences.

We want everyone to feel connected, valued and supported so that every individual can succeed and can contribute to our firm and client success.

We strongly believe that diversity in all its forms should be embraced and celebrated. This benefits our people, our clients, our firm and the industry at large.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven through all aspects of our firm – from our recruitment and people development strategies through to our wellbeing initiatives.

For almost 15 years, we’ve been recognised as an Employer of Choice by the WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation (replacing the EOWA Employer of Choice for Women award in 2014).

We have a strong and ongoing commitment to LGBTIQ+ inclusion amongst our people, our clients and the broader community.

Our CEO Gavin MacLaren is a member of the Leadership Council for Cultural Diversity, an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), and we have signed a cultural diversity commitment with members of the Managing Partners Diversity Initiative to improve cultural diversity in leadership.

Corrs is also a member of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA), which promotes cultural diversity in the law, and supports the AHRC’s ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’ campaign.

What does Corrs look for in a clerk/graduate?

We look for graduates who can make a positive contribution to the firm and help us in delivering legal excellence and outstanding client service. In exchange for your energy and commitment, we’ll provide extraordinary learning and work opportunities here and internationally.

We want people who bring out the best in those around them, work well in a team, and take pride in their work and achievements.

At Corrs, you’ll enjoy the benefits of working alongside a high-performing team with a shared commitment to our culture of excellence, collaboration, commitment and respect.

Your time as a clerk at Corrs

The majority of our graduates join us after experiencing a seasonal clerkship program. Our [three to four week] clerkships give you the opportunity to connect with partners and lawyers across the firm, learn what a ‘day-in-the-life’ at Corrs is like, and experience the type of work we do and the clients we partner with.

The Corrs seasonal clerkship program gives you the opportunity to work alongside some of Australia’s leading lawyers on high-profile work for major Australian and international clients.

You’ll be exposed to a broad range of interesting matters. You’ll also have the chance to complete a broad range of tasks, such as conducting research, reviewing and presenting documents, attending client meetings, court hearings, mediations and settlements, as well as shadowing partners and lawyers in client meetings and business development activities.

Your time as a grad with Corrs

The reason we continue to attract exceptional graduates and lawyers is simple: we provide you with the opportunity to work with great people; to work on career-defining matters from the start of your career; and to work and/or study internationally.

From your first day at Corrs, you will have the opportunity to accelerate your career in a high-performing and supportive environment.

Graduate development program

Our graduate development program is your first step towards a successful career. As part of our 18-month program, you will have access to:

  • on-the-job training as you work directly with partners and senior lawyers;
  • structured learning;
  • mentoring; and
  • regular feedback.

During this time, you’ll complete three six-month rotations through a variety of our practice areas and you’ll also be involved in pro bono opportunities.

The program begins with our Graduate Academy – a highlight for our graduates every year. We bring all our graduates together for a multi-day learning experience, giving you the chance to meet with your peers, learn and have fun. Then it’s on to your Practical Legal Training (PLT) studies and your local orientation before you dive into the program.

Graduate Reviews

Overall Score
4.6
Overall score based on 9 reviews
They Score Best in…
8.4
Diversity
9.2
Satisfaction
9.0
Office Work Environment
9.2
Training
8.4
Diversity
9.2
Satisfaction
9.0
Office Work Environment
9.2
Training
What Graduates Say About Them
  • The deep commitment to learning and development at all levels. Corrs provides extensive formal training across workshops for graduate cohorts across the firm, within each practice group, and between practice groups. They also provide significant informal learning opportunities, developed through a culture of actively engaging juniors on matters, trusting us with real responsibility early on, and providing substantial mentoring.
  • I have been exposed to a wide range of legal matters at the cutting edge of my practice area. Not only this, but the opportunity to work on such matters also includes getting involved in the decision-making and strategy of a matter. This ties in with the mentorship and support aspect of lawyer development; my seniors are able and willing to work collaboratively, teach, and help improve my work. Not only this, they are receptive to my interests and capacity. The firm has supported me in pursuing the work of my choosing, so I am able to source work from a variety of sources and interests. The firm's commitment to nurturing talent and helping us grow as legal professionals is truly commendable.
  • The people on my team are great. I love coming to work and feel very grateful that I get to work every day with people I can have fun with and consider friends.
  • - Great remuneration and leave entitlements; - Excellent learning and development opportunities; - Interesting work and some of the best matters/client exposure in the industry; - Sociable, and the firm makes a real effort to build a positive culture; - Flexibility.
  • Clear growth and ambition for the firm; diverse opportunities to get involved with; generally collegiate attitude
  • As with all similar firms, the hours can be demanding. You will often work on other people's schedules at a junior level.
  • The unfortunate result of being in one of the highest offices (with the best views) is that the sun can heat up the office quickly; thankfully, we have pretty good air conditioning!
  • As expected of being part of a workplace performing at the highest tier of legal work, the work can be challenging and the hours long. The workload can be quite variable, with certain periods requiring intense effort, especially when dealing with complex cases or projects. Balancing these peaks in workload with personal life commitments can be a struggle at times, even though the firm actively promotes work-life balance. I believe that this is a personal challenge that all lawyers face or will face. While it is an inevitable corollary of the standard of work we provide, it is one that seniors (at least in my experience at Corrs) are hyper-aware and considerate of.
  • The workload can be unpredictable and, at times, can be very busy.
  • There can be times of stress.

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities
  • Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
Hiring candidates with qualifications in
L
Law, Legal Studies & Justice
Current Jobs & Opportunities

Internship, Clerkship or Placement

Brisbane City, QLD
Experience life at Corrs and work alongside some of Australia’s leading lawyers on high-profile matters for major clients.
Applications Close
13 Aug 2024
Start Date
27 Nov 2024 - 19 Jul 2025
Salary
AUD 65,000 - 75,000 / Year

Internship, Clerkship or Placement

Perth, WA
Experience life at Corrs and work alongside some of Australia’s leading lawyers on high-profile matters for major clients.
Applications Close
13 Aug 2024
Start Date
27 Nov 2024 - 19 Jul 2025
Salary
AUD 65,000 - 75,000 / Year


Graduate Success Stories


  • Graduate stories
If you make a mistake - acknowledge it, accept responsibility for your error, learn from it and move on. Don’t let the mistake crush your confidence in moving forwards and future decision making.

Billie Parkinson

  • Graduate stories
If you make a mistake - acknowledge it, accept responsibility for your error, learn from it and move on. Don’t let the mistake crush your confidence in moving forwards and future decision making.

Billie Parkinson

  • Graduate stories
If you make a mistake - acknowledge it, accept responsibility for your error, learn from it and move on. Don’t let the mistake crush your confidence in moving forwards and future decision making.

Billie Parkinson

  • Graduate stories
If you make a mistake - acknowledge it, accept responsibility for your error, learn from it and move on. Don’t let the mistake crush your confidence in moving forwards and future decision making.

Billie Parkinson

A Day In The Life Of


  • Day in the life

Alice Johnson

Alice Johnson studied Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and is a Lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
  • Day in the life

Alice Johnson

Alice Johnson studied Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and is a Lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
  • Day in the life

Thomas Milner

Thomas Milner studied Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and is a Lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
  • Day in the life

Thomas Milner

Thomas Milner studied Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and is a Lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
  • Day in the life

Alice Johnson

Alice Johnson studied Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and is a Lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
  • Day in the life

Alice Johnson

Alice Johnson studied Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and is a Lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
  • Day in the life

Thomas Milner

Thomas Milner studied Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and is a Lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
  • Day in the life

Thomas Milner

Thomas Milner studied Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and is a Lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

Videos


Graduate Success Story of Billie Parkinson

Meet Billie Parkinson and learn how her graduate experience helped her career.

Graduate Success Story of Kate Mani

Meet Kate Mani and learn how her graduate experience helped her career.

Graduate Success Story of Billie Parkinson

Meet Billie Parkinson and learn how her graduate experience helped her career.

Graduate Success Story of Kate Mani

Meet Kate Mani and learn how her graduate experience helped her career.