Clerk and graduate programs
Clerkship program
McCullough Robertson offers clerkship programs to law students in both our Brisbane and Sydney offices.
Brisbane clerkships
As a clerk, you will have the opportunity to join one of our talented legal teams and participate in a four week structured development program.
Summer One Clerkship: November 2025 – December 2025
Summer Two Clerkship: January 2026 – February 2026
Autumn Clerkship: April 2026 – May 2026
Winter Clerkship: June 2026 – July 2026
We offer clerkships to both pre-penultimate and penultimate law students in our Brisbane office, so law students who are graduating in 2026 or 2027 are encouraged to apply.
Students who join our clerkship program in their pre-penultimate year will have the opportunity to complete two separate four week programs.
Applications open: 9.00am, Monday, 14 July 2025
Applications close: 11.59pm, Friday, 8 August 2025
Offers made: 9.00am, Wednesday, 8 October 2025
Offers accepted: 1.00pm, Thursday, 9 October 2025
Sydney clerkships
Our Sydney summer clerks are given the opportunity to rotate through all our Sydney legal teams, gaining invaluable and varied experience along the way.
This clerkship program is open to penultimate law students, and runs for eight weeks, from November 2025 to February 2026.
Applications open: 9.00am, Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Applications close: 11.59pm, Sunday, 13 July 2025
Offers made: 9.00am, Wednesday, 10 September 2025
Offers accepted: 1.00pm, Thursday, 11 September 2025
Is the McR clerkship program for me?
Learning and development
Our structured clerkship program provides hands-on work experience, giving you the opportunity to participate in meaningful work within the firm, and alongside partners and clients.
In addition to practical legal experience, you will participate in curated training sessions delivered by our talented partners, lawyers and business services teams. From briefings and case studies from across the firm, to the business of law, each session is designed to give you the tools you need to help you grow in your legal career.
Diversity and inclusion
As an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold Tier Employer, we are genuinely committed to diversity, equity and inclusiveness, and creating a sense of belonging for all within our community. Our diversity and inclusion initiatives are focused on five pillars: gender, family and flexible work, cultural diversity, LGBTIQ+ and disability and access.
Community
Community is part of who we are and what we do, so together we try to give back and facilitate positive social change by supporting our community partners. Our Community Partnerships Program provides opportunities for our people to engage in pro bono legal support for charities, not-for-profits and community legal centres.
Graduate program
At McR, we’re committed to helping you build a strong legal career in a firm that genuinely values its people – it’s who we are.
Our graduate program provides a platform for you to advance your career, offering genuine opportunities for growth sooner.
You’ll collaborate with talented teams, get involved in meaningful legal work, and be mentored by experienced partners who are invested in your success, helping you grow not just in your legal career but as a valued contributor to our community.
Good people. Good work. Great opportunities.
Is McR’s graduate program for me?
Our graduate program is built on early client engagement, hands-on experience, and strong mentorship. You’ll work alongside partners and senior lawyers, gaining insights from their expertise while shaping your own path. This approach not only accelerates professional growth but also empowers you to develop specialisations in legal fields that you are truly passionate about.
Hear from our clerks and graduates
Dee Ardham: 2019 Clerk, 2020 Graduate, 2021 Lawyer
Andrew Bukowski: 2013 Lawyer, 2018 Senior Associate, 2022 Partner
Our benefits
Learning and development
We recognise the importance of continuous learning, which is why we offer tailored support for Practical Legal Training, postgraduate studies and other professional development initiatives while you are employed with us.
Health and wellbeing
As part of our commitment to wellbeing, we provide a gym and fitness membership subsidy to support your overall wellbeing.
Flexible working
We are proud to be an accredited family-friendly workplace, and we will support you to create flexible work arrangements that benefit both you and McR.
Sporting and social
We offer a variety of sporting activities to get involved in including cycling, run club, netball teams and charity fun-runs, along with social events such as trivia nights and end-of-year celebrations.
Recognising you
As you reach significant milestones during your time at McCullough Robertson, we celebrate your achievements with personal gifts that acknowledge your service at the firm.
In-house barista
Enjoy subsidised beverages prepared by our in-house barista at our head office in Brisbane, while getting to know your colleagues in the coffee line.
Corporate healthcare rates,
dental and optical programs
We offer discounted corporate rates for private health insurance for you and your family, and provide access to corporate dental and optical programs.
Additional leave
We support you through all stages of your life with up to 24 weeks of paid parental leave as well as grandparents leave, carers leave, fertility leave and other forms of leave that may be required for your unique personal circumstances.
Child care benefit
We support our lawyers with their return to work by subsidising the cost of out of pocket child care expenses up to the value of $5,000, within your first year of returning from parental leave.
Parental leave
superannuation payment
As part of our commitment to reducing the gender pay gap, we offer up to 12 weeks of superannuation contributions on paid parental leave.
Financial advice
We provide access to financial seminars, discounts from financial institutions and advisory services including superannuation advice to assist you in better managing your finances.