Graduate Program – Perth and Sydney 2026

Company Description

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world, with over 30 offices across the globe. We believe every career at Clifford Chance should be rewarding and stimulating – full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

We're looking for the brightest and most talented individuals - ambitious people who offer new ideas and fresh perspectives, and who will ultimately be able to give our clients a competitive advantage. If that sounds like you, and you want to work at the cutting edge of commercial law, with outstanding legal and business training, and equally impressive 'on the job' experience, then take a closer look at Clifford Chance.

Job Description

Clifford Chance's two-year Graduate Program turns gifted beginners into professionals, with the aim of getting the breadth of experience you need to emerge as a confident business adviser. 

Our program is divided into four, six-month rotations where you'll have the chance to work across our core practice areas, including Corporate, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Global Financial Markets. Our extensive international network means that one of your rotations can be spent overseas (London, Dubai, Hong Kong have been recent opportunities). We also offer domestic rotations between our Sydney and Perth offices as well as opportunities to travel internationally for both training and client matters.

From the moment you start your graduate program, you will be closely supported both informally and through formal mentoring, with advice and guidance from the HR team, your supervisor and buddy throughout each rotation. We recognise that quality training and supervision is the key to getting the most from your graduate program. 

The training and mentoring you receive will ensure you are up-to-date with legal developments in the areas where you work and help you develop business skills such as time management, communication and client relationship skills. The continued technical training will include Practice Group Bootcamps, Academy Programs and in depth on the job learning, which will ensure you quickly become an expert in your field.

This role is for candidates who will be eligible to commence their graduate program in either Sydney or Perth from February 2026. For further insight into our graduate program, please visit our website here.

Qualifications

To be successful, you will need to demonstrate the following:

• Your potential to become a first-class lawyer and your willingness to take advantage of the many opportunities that you encounter. 
• Exhibit ambition, drive and commitment, the ability to articulate your ideas clearly, and the desire to build relationships and deliver outstanding service. 
• Business awareness, a keen commercial insight and a strong ability to lead and manage. 
• Have graduated or be in the final year of your law degree from a relevant University.
• Possess consistently strong academic record.
• Have full working rights for Australia.

As a part of your application, please submit an up-to-date academic transcript, curriculum vitae and cover letter 

Additional Information

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age. This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

Find out more about our inclusive culture here