Be part of a network that’s building Australia’s best corporate law firm. Work at the forefront of significant change and let us open the door to opportunities that will shape your career, wherever you want it to take you.

Applications for 2025-26 Sydney Summer Clerks open from 11 June – 13 July 2025

Areas of expertise: Banking + Finance, Competition + Regulation, Corporate Advisory, Energy + Infrastructure, Intellectual Property, Disputes + Investigations, Pro Bono, Real Estate, Technology + Digital.

Staff: Partners: +100, Fee earners: +700, People: +1,000

Contact: Kristie Barton, Talent Attraction + Brand Manager

Our summer clerk program is the primary pathway for graduates at G+T, however we also invite interest from graduating students who may have clerked elsewhere or taken up other opportunities in their penultimate or final year of studies.

Opportunities for students

Our clerkships offer a unique chance for law students in their penultimate or final year of study to experience one or two practice areas in corporate law, and learn from some of Australia’s most talented legal minds.

In Sydney, we offer a summer clerkship with two 4-week rotations across two practice areas and the option to apply for the Aurora Internship, a fully funded 5- to 6-week winter internship.

All clerks are assigned a supervising partner, mentor and buddy to assist with on-the-job training for each rotation – an immediate support network to help smooth the transition from university and assist with your professional development. While your main focus will be corporate work, everyone has the opportunity to assist on pro bono matters, innovation projects and participate in firm-wide activities.

During the clerkship you’ll take part in our customised in-house training, and cover topics such as research, analysis, drafting, developing technical skills, interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork, business development and client orientation. As you progress through your rotations you’ll develop invaluable skills and knowledge and gain first-hand experience of our various practice groups.

Understanding the mechanics of legal practice through research, drafting memos, attending court and meeting clients will all help to build your confidence. And we’ll encourage you to contribute ideas and your own fresh perspective.

Keep an eye on our ‘Browse Jobs’ page for active graduate vacancies.

Meet Dhruv Lohia

2024 Graduate Program

“The firm’s values include excellence, trust, respect, integrity, and good corporate citizenship. These values significantly shape the culture at Gilbert + Tobin.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

I was initially inspired to pursue a career in law after taking and excelling in legal studies at high school. My legal studies teacher was incredibly passionate, imparting to us the intricate nature of the law and its significant impact on shaping society. I was also greatly influenced by my sister, a young and emerging lawyer at the time, who demonstrated the rewarding nature of the career. Ultimately, it was a combination of my academic interests, my desire to be able to contribute positively to society and my favourite TV show (Suits, of course) that led me to pursue a career in law.

How did you choose your area of specialisation?   

I am currently rotating in the corporate advisory practice group with a team that specialises in investment funds. At university, I studied a double degree in commerce and law, with a major in finance. As a result, while studying for my law degree, I found myself naturally gravitating towards and enjoying subjects that delved into corporate governance, commercial contracts, and equity and trusts – areas that are fundamental to the practice of corporate law. Consequently, I selected corporate advisory as one of my preferences for my clerkship at Gilbert + Tobin and was fortunate enough to join the investment funds team – an area which I am now super passionate about.

Can you describe a typical day at your firm?

A typical day for me at Gilbert + Tobin’s corporate advisory practice group is both rewarding and stimulating. Our week usually starts with a team meeting where we discuss the current matters and deals we are working on and flag our level of capacity for the coming week.

I then dive straight into the tasks at hand. Graduates are involved in a wide range of tasks within the corporate advisory practice group, including drafting agreements and deeds, facilitating negotiations with investors, conducting due diligence, and providing corporate secretarial services to clients. Gilbert + Tobin’s flat hierarchical structure means that we get to work closely with lawyers at all levels, from juniors through to partners. Working on due diligence tasks also allows me to collaborate with colleagues from different practice groups who provide specialist advice on the deals we are working on.

In between these tasks, I often attend graduate and corporate advisory training or workshops, reflecting our firm’s commitment to continuous learning. I also enjoy the opportunity to catch up with friends over coffee at our in-house cafe. The pace is fast, and the work is intellectually stimulating, but there’s a strong sense of camaraderie and support that makes the environment enjoyable. Each day is an opportunity to learn and grow as a lawyer, and I find immense satisfaction in knowing that my contributions help our clients navigate the complexities of corporate law.

What skills do you find most valuable in your current role?

I’ve found that a combination of technical knowledge, analytical thinking and problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are the most invaluable to my role. My background in finance has equipped me with a solid understanding of the financial aspects that are often at the core of corporate advisory work. This technical expertise has helped me understand clauses and concepts that are central to many of the documents we draft.

Analytical thinking and problem-solving enable me to dissect complex legal issues and contribute to strategic decision-making processes. It’s a skill set that I apply daily, whether I’m researching a new regulatory development or assessing the implications of a clause in an agreement.

Lastly, I find interpersonal skills to be very valuable in my role as a lawyer. It was my two years of retail experience during university that assisted in developing these skills. They have directly transferred to my work as a lawyer and have honed my ability to communicate effectively, work as part of a team, and build relationships with colleagues and clients.

How does your firm support professional development and career growth?

Professional development and career growth are integral to Gilbert + Tobin’s ethos. The firm offers a comprehensive learning and development program that provides training sessions for all career stages, from graduates to senior lawyers. Moreover, Gilbert + Tobin provides targeted practice area specific training, ensuring that lawyers develop deep expertise in their specialist fields. There is also a significant investment in ongoing education, including practical workshops and seminars focused on emerging legal technologies and trends. These initiatives are designed to keep our lawyers at the forefront of legal developments and to continuously enhance their legal and commercial acumen.

What are the firm’s values and how do they influence your work?

The firm’s values include excellence, trust, respect, integrity, and good corporate citizenship. These values significantly shape the culture at Gilbert + Tobin. Two values that particularly influence the way I work are excellence and good corporate citizenship. The pursuit of excellence is a constant motivator for me, driving me to deliver legal services of the highest standard and to continually seek selfimprovement—something that is facilitated by the ample training sessions the firm provides. Good corporate citizenship, reflected in Gilbert + Tobin’s commitment to pro bono work and community engagement, resonates deeply with my personal values. It affords me the opportunity to apply my learning and legal skills for the public good, offering assistance to those who may not otherwise have access to legal services and participating in initiatives that positively impact society.

How does the firm handle work-life balance for its employees?

At Gilbert + Tobin, the firm recognises the importance of work-life balance and actively implements policies and practices to support its employees in maintaining a healthy equilibrium between their professional and personal lives. Most teams engage in a hybrid working structure, allowing lawyers to balance working from home with working in the office. Ultimately, the firm’s commitment to work-life balance is reflective of its core value of respect. Seniors trust in our ability to complete tasks by deadlines and allow individuals to tailor their work schedules to fit their individual needs and commitments outside of work. For example, I often leave work early to attend tennis training before logging back on later to complete any remaining tasks I may have.

What opportunities for advancement exist within the firm?

The opportunities for advancement within the firm are underpinned by its meritocratic culture, ensuring the career progression of its lawyers is based on individual performance and contribution rather than tenure. After completing university studies, lawyers typically commence the graduate program, where they are exposed to a variety of practice areas through two 9-month rotations in Sydney (although the number and length of rotations vary across offices). Upon completing the program, graduates are afforded the opportunity to settle into one of the practice group teams. As they gain experience and develop expertise, they are provided with opportunities to progress to more senior roles.

How does the firm stay ahead of industry trends and changes?

Gilbert + Tobin has a strong focus on innovation. The firm is a pioneer in utilising and implementing emerging legal technologies to streamline the work that lawyers do. Some of the technologies that the firm has implemented include ‘GilBot’, the firm’s in-house AI chatbot, and DDi, a tool designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of due diligence processes. These technologies are part of the firm’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge solutions to improve client service, reduce turnaround times, and enable lawyers to focus on higher-value work by automating routine tasks. The firm also employs business development staff who are dedicated to keeping the teams informed about the latest legal developments and industry changes. Additionally, the firm prioritises ongoing education and professional development, ensuring that lawyers are well-versed in the latest legal advancements and technologies. Ultimately, the firm’s forward-thinking approach ensures that Gilbert + Tobin not only stays current with industry trends and changes but often leads the way in setting new standards for legal practice.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at your firm?

For anyone considering a career at Gilbert + Tobin, my advice is to be curious and proactive. Demonstrate your curiosity by cultivating a love for learning. The legal field is ever-changing, and the firm places a strong emphasis on innovation, continuous education, and development. Being proactive involves taking initiative. Reach out to lawyers who have worked on deals that interest you and build a strong network; the collaborative environment at Gilbert + Tobin is invaluable for career progression. Lastly, embrace the firm’s values of excellence, trust, respect, integrity, and good corporate citizenship. You will be recognised for doing so, and these values will be the cornerstones of your success at the firm.

Meet Annabelle Stevens

2023-24 Summer Clerk

““Building relationships was a cornerstone of my clerkship experience. The program was not just about professional growth but also about personal connections.”

Why did you choose Gilbert + Tobin (‘G+T’) for your clerkship?

I chose G+T for my clerkship because of the culture. G+T stood out to me as the “alternative” law firm. Everyone I met during the interview process was relaxed and authentic. I was also attracted to the flat hierarchy structure, and the idea I would be able to work closely alongside senior lawyers and benefit from their expertise.

What’s it like being a clerk at G+T?   

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time being a clerk at G+T. One of the great things about clerking here is that the cohort is not too big. This means you really get to know everyone and build strong, genuine connections. The firm itself welcomes the clerks with open arms, and I found everyone I worked with was genuinely enthusiastic to meet me and get me involved in their matters.

What kind of work were you involved in during your clerkship?

My rotation in Intellectual Property was nothing short of fascinating. I was given the chance to dive deep into the world of litigation, including attending meetings with counsel, observing Federal Court proceedings, and preparing research memos along the way.

A highlight of this rotation was conducting research into copyright litigation against generative AI companies in the U.S. As part of this research, I prepared a summary of all current proceedings against generative AI developers alleging violations of copyright law. The legal landscape around AI and copyright is evolving rapidly, with new precedents being set that could shape the future of intellectual property rights in the digital age. Understanding the U.S. legal framework and the nature of the claims brought against generative AI companies offered insights into how similar issues might be approached and litigated in Australia.

What did you enjoy most about your clerkship?

Building relationships was a cornerstone of my clerkship experience. The program was not just about professional growth but also about personal connections. Through a variety of social activities—from interfirm sports competitions and after-work drinks to Christmas parties and dinners—I formed friendships with my cohort I am confident will last a lifetime. These moments outside the office underscored the firm’s commitment to nurturing a cohesive and supportive community.

What was unexpected or surprising?

What caught me off guard about the clerkship program was how enjoyable it turned out to be. Coming in, I braced myself for a high-pressure environment, given the serious nature of legal work. Yet to my delight, I found the atmosphere to be incredibly fun and laid-back. The work, while challenging, involved us in fascinating legal matters that piqued my interest rather than stressed me out. On top of that, the array of social events and activities we were invited to participate in added a whole new layer of enjoyment to the experience, making the clerkship much more than just a job.

What advice would you give to next year’s clerks?

Come into the clerkship experience with an open mind, sense of curiosity and willingness to learn. Take opportunities that come your way and enjoy getting to meet new people. Everyone is really excited to get to know the clerks so it’s a great opportunity to network and make connections at the firm.