We offer a structured eight-week program where clerks learn through a combination of hands-on experience, training, coaching, and observation. At Thomsons we are looking for hard-working and motivated law students who are enthusiastic about commencing their career with a dynamic, collaborative and growing law firm. We view all of our clerks as potential graduates, and all of our graduates as potential leaders. If your ambitions are to develop a career in law and you possess the drive to make your ambitions a reality, then we want to hear from you! Our Program We offer a structured eight-week program where clerks learn through a combination of hands-on experience, training, coaching, and observation. During your eight weeks, you get to experience two different practice areas and become a central member of those teams working directly with our partners and clients. All of our clerks have the opportunity to undertake meaningful work for real clients, including: Attend client meetings Observe court proceedings Conduct legal research Develop technical skills in areas such as drafting, due diligence, and disclosure Participate in team meetings, extensive training, and continuing legal education programs Draft documents and work for the team You will be supported by a supervising partner, their team, and a mentor. Our corporate services team will also be there to assist throughout the program. Clerks are encouraged to participate in firm social events - Friday night drinks, the end of year party, and other social and sporting activities. We want to ensure that you not only gain valuable experience from your clerkship but you have fun doing so! Students who complete a clerkship with the firm will be eligible to be considered for a position in the firm's next graduate program, commencing in 2028 or 2029. This program runs for 12 months and includes rotations among different practice areas to help determine the area of law which best suits you. Our areas of practice in Canberra Infrastructure, Projects & Construction Government Litigation & Dispute Resolution Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Employment, Health & Safety Information Technology The Application Process If your ambition is to develop a career in commercial law and you possess the drive to make your ambitions a reality, then we want to hear from you. Please note due to the nature of the work we do in Canberra, you must be eligible to obtain a security clearance for this position. We conduct a multi-stage recruitment process, with candidates participating in a video research task and an opportunity to engage directly with our partners. We encourage you to review our website for firm information and contact us with any questions you have throughout our recruitment process. The 2026/27 Thomsons Canberra Summer Clerkship will consist of an eight-week program with rotations in two specific practice areas but the opportunity to work collaboratively across all, running approximately from mid-November 2026 to early February 2027. Please note due to the nature of the work we do in Canberra, you must be eligible to apply and obtain a National Security Clearance for this position. Applications will close Sunday 12 July 2026 at 11:59pm.
