About Dentons
Dentons is the world’s largest law firm. We’re 20,000+ people globally across 80+ countries including USA; Europe; India and Asia. We are a global polycentric firm which is expanding rapidly in an increasingly globalised legal industry.
Dentons now consistently ranks as one of the five best regarded legal brands in the world according to the Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index.
About Dentons
Dentons is the world’s largest global law firm, shaped by a clear purpose: Redefining possibilities. Together, everywhere
Across Australia and around the world, our people work on complex, high-quality matters for leading organisations, governments and institutions. What sets Dentons apart is not just our global reach, but how we work locally, collaboratively and with intent. The perspectives of our people matter, we value curiosity, practical thinking and the confidence to ask questions.
About the Clerkship Program
Our National Clerkship Program is designed for law students who want more than an observation role. This is an opportunity to experience working life at Dentons while building the foundations of a long-term legal career.
Clerkships are:
• Full-time placements, for up to ten weeks in our Sydney office
• Hands-on, with exposure to real matters and real clients
• Supported by structured learning, mentoring and day-to-day guidance
You will work alongside lawyers at different stages of their careers and gain insight into the commercial, legal and human dimensions of legal practice.
What you can expect
During your clerkship, you will:
• Contribute to live client matters across practice teams
• Build legal and commercial skills through structured learning and on-the-job experience
• Work in a collaborative team environment where your input is valued
• Have opportunities to engage in pro bono and community-related work
• Gain insight into life at Dentons and pathways into graduate roles
Who this program is for
We are looking for penultimate-year law students who:
• Demonstrate strong academic performance
• Are genuinely interested in commercial legal practice
• Enjoy working in team-based, fast-paced environments
• Are curious, motivated and keen to learn from day one
• Are interested in pursuing a graduate role with Dentons in Australia
While clerkship rotations depend on business needs, we aim to consider individual interests where possible. Practice areas include Banking and Finance, Construction, Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment and Safety, Intellectual Property and Technology, Planning and Environment, Real Estate and Recovery and Restructuring.
Intakes and timing
Clerkship intakes run once per office, commencing between November and December (extending into January for Sydney-based clerkships). Availability to work full-time, five days per week is required for the full duration of the clerkship.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted via the link on this page and include:
• A CV
• An academic transcript
Incomplete applications or applications submitted via email will not be considered.
Why Dentons
Dentons Australia offers a wide range of incentives aimed at embracing your authenticity, providing purpose, and strengthening your ongoing development.
We offer:
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
Embedded in our people is a passion to help others through the delivery of justice. It is through this that our commitment to inclusion, equity, and reconciliation has evolved. We are proud to say that by design, we have no single headquarters or dominant national culture, this means the unique perspectives, experiences, and identities of our people come together globally under one purpose to create an inclusive and accessible environment where anyone can thrive.
Please apply online with your CV, Cover Letter, and academic transcripts. If you have questions beforehand, please email our recruitment team at recruitment.au@dentons.com. Enquiries only please, applications will not be accepted by email.
Agency Submissions
Dentons does not accept agency submissions unless the agency is specifically contacted by a member of the Recruitment Team. Please do not forward candidate profiles or resumes to partners, hiring managers or other employees - this will not constitute an introduction to the firm and Dentons will not be liable for a fee.
Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you.
