Job Description

About the Opportunity

Macpherson Kelley has an exciting opportunity for a motivated and commercially minded law graduate to join our National Graduate Program, based in our Macpherson Kelley O’Loughlins office in Adelaide.

Following our recent merger with leading Adelaide firm O’Loughlins Lawyers, we’ve strengthened our South Australian presence and brought together shared values, deep expertise and a collaborative culture. It’s an exciting time to join our firm and build your career with a national commercial practice.

We’re passionate about developing lawyers who thrive in real‑world environments and understand how the law operates in a commercial context. One day you might be visiting a client’s premises; the next, you could be supporting a mediation or advising alongside senior practitioners. You’ll gain practical experience, meaningful client exposure and the confidence to grow quickly.

Key Highlights of the Program:

• Join the Macpherson Kelley National Graduate Program.
• Complete a 9-month program based at our Macpherson Kelley O’Loughlins office in on Pulteney Street, Adelaide.
• Rotate through diverse practice areas, gaining exposure to a broad range of legal work and clients.
• Receive ongoing mentoring and support from supervising Principals and peers, with regular check‑ins throughout the program to support your development.

About You

At Macpherson Kelley, we value the whole person. We’re keen to understand what motivates you, the experiences that have shaped you, and the individual strengths you’ll bring to our firm. We welcome graduates from diverse backgrounds and are interested in learning about your interests, achievements and experiences — both within and beyond the law.

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates resilience and embraces new challenges.
• Seizes opportunities - especially those that involve collaboration and teamwork.
• Thinks pragmatically and commercially, with a problem-solving mindset.
• Communicates with confidence, clarity, and empathy.

We are open to candidates who have commenced, completed, or are yet to start their Practical Legal Training.

Your Application

To apply, please submit:

• Your CV.
• Your Academic Transcript (please upload this in the section inviting you to upload a cover letter).

A cover letter is not required. As part of your application, you’ll also be asked to respond to a short set of online questions.

Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid work visa.

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday, 17 May 2026, so be sure to apply before the deadline.

Our Firm

Macpherson Kelley is a national Commercial law firm that thinks differently. Our people possess a rare combination of commercial acumen, legal ingenuity, and human insight. That’s why we treat each client’s business as if it’s our own, delivering intelligent recommendations they can act on.

With offices in Brisbane, Dandenong, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide (Macpherson Kelley O’Loughlins), as well as international connections through our Pacific Legal Network, Multilaw and PrivacyRules partners, our lawyers collaborate across practice areas and borders to take care of any legal issues faced by our clients.

Our People Promise

The best thing about Macpherson Kelley is its people. Really good people and talented lawyers, in an inclusive, high performing and positive workplace culture achieve great things. We are flexible and outcome focused in how we work, so you can get on with the job. Together, we believe in better and are ambitious for growth, and we understand that growth comes from leveraging all business and learning opportunities, many of which are delivered through our practical and commercially focused Macpherson Kelley Business School.

Our benefits include mentoring programs, additional leave options, and generous parental leave policies. Learn more about building your career with us at www.mk.com.au/careers.