Melbourne Vacation Clerkship

About Us
Welcome to Barry Nilsson. For 60 years, we’ve been shaping a better experience for our clients and our people. What sets our firm apart is not just what we do, but who we are: a team known for its collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence, inclusion, and innovation. As an award-winning national law firm, we’ve built a culture that empowers you to not only grow your career, but be your authentic self while you do it.

The Clerkship Program
Our Melbourne Vacation Clerkship Program, which will take place over the summer and winter university break, provides you with a unique insight into our firm, the diverse range of work we undertake and most importantly, our distinctive culture. Be welcomed into an inclusive and friendly team, working with supportive colleagues who are invested in your individual growth and learning. 

The program will have two intakes, each running for four weeks, during which you will be placed in our Insurance & Health practice undertaking dispute resolution work, with the opportunity to attend mediations, conferences and court. In addition, one clerk will be placed within our Family team for the full four-week program, gaining hands-on experience across a range of family law matters. Both practice groups are widely recognised throughout the industry for producing high quality advice and delivering exceptional service to our clients.

Our clerkship program is also a great stepping stone to ongoing roles at BN, including law clerk and graduate opportunities.

Benefits of Working with Us
Just to name a few, we have:

• been acknowledged as an ‘Employer of Choice’ for the last 7 years;
• a supportive environment where managers genuinely care about your wellbeing;
• opportunities for structured mentorship and continuous professional development;
• progressive policies including for flexible working arrangements, health and wellbeing, annual performance bonuses and parental leave;
• a relaxed office environment where you can “Dress for your Day”; and
• support to undertake pro bono legal work, secondments, volunteering and industry appointments.

Ready to Go Further?
From your first day, expect to be embraced for who you are – because we’re a firm defined by our people. Step into a workplace where individuality is celebrated, ambitions are realised, and collaboration drives success. At Barry Nilsson, it’s about being you and going further.

To make a confidential application, please click ‘Apply Now’ and address your application, comprising a cover letter, CV and academic transcript (unofficial is fine) to Patricia Nguyen, People & Culture Officer.

Key dates

• Applications for clerkships open: 9.00 am, Monday 6 July 2026
• Applications for clerkships close: 11.59pm, Sunday 9 August 2026
• Offers will be made: 10.00am, Thursday 15 October 2026

Barry Nilsson is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace where all of our people are supported to be their authentic selves, valued for their unique contributions, rewarded fairly, connected to colleagues, and empowered to achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+, as well as people of all ages, genders, abilities and cultures. Feel free to chat to the recruiter for this position regarding any accommodations or adjustments you may require to the role or the recruitment process to ensure your equitable participation.

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