HWLE Lawyers

What We Offer:

• Real and complex work: from day one, you'll work on real, challenging, and high-profile matters.
• Early responsibility: through exposure to diverse clients, from small businesses to ASX-listed companies.
• Clear career progression pathways: supported by the lowest solicitor-to-partner ratio in Australia.
• Merit-based structure: rewards performance and ensures you are inspired to shine.
• Further study: full financial support for the completion of your Practical Legal Training (PLT) with the College of Law.
• Career development: 180-day planning sessions are run with our P&D team to assist in having robust career discussions and planning. We also run internal development programs tailored for each stage of your progression as a lawyer.
• Mentorship & feedback: you'll receive ongoing guidance from your supervising Partner and mentor.
• Other leave: permanent full-time and part-time employees are entitled to 26 weeks paid parental leave. There is also other leave such as annual, personal, family and domestic violence, compassionate and study leave.
• Enjoy life beyond the office: one of the lowest billable targets compared to other law firms and working Australian hours.
• Culture of collaboration: networking opportunities, social events and firm-wide celebrations.
• Pro bono secondments: get involved in meaningful community work through our pro bono secondment program.
• Customised induction program: our comprehensive induction program will assist in familiarising you with our systems, processes and give real insight into our practice groups and life at HWLE.

About the Sydney & Norwest Graduate Program:

Our carefully tailored Graduate Program runs for 12 months commencing in March 2027, where you will experience 6-month rotations in different practice groups. Throughout our Graduate Program, you will be provided with an opportunity to gain exposure to key practice areas across the firm, including a variety of transactional and litigious work, to assist you in determining your direction post Admission.

You will immediately become an important member of our team, assisting in a range of areas including drafting, court attendances, client interaction and legal research. You will have an opportunity to practice in different technical and industry groups and develop an understanding of the vital importance of client relationship management. 

Who We Are Looking For:

We seek final-year law students or recent graduates who embody our down-to-earth, no-fuss culture. If you are self-motivated, eager to learn, adaptable, and have excellent communication skills, you will thrive at HWLE.

Who Can Apply:

Applications are open to those who meet the following criteria:

• You are in your final year of study (finishing in 2026) or have graduated within the past two years.
• You are studying/have studied Law at an Australian university.
• You are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

Why HWLE?

We invest in our people from the very beginning of their careers.

As a dynamic and forward-thinking firm, we are committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive professionally and personally. Our merit-based structure provides clear pathways for growth, enabling talented individuals to progress from graduate level through to partnership.

With more than 1,700 people, including over 270 partners, across offices in every Australian state and territory, we offer a truly national platform. Our diverse client base – from small businesses to ASX-listed companies – ensures that junior lawyers gain unparalleled exposure to complex and varied matters, building confidence and capability early in their careers.

We foster a culture that values excellence, collaboration and balance, ensuring our people are supported to succeed, connected across teams and inspired to achieve their full potential.

Our Commitment to Inclusion:

HWLE strives to create an inclusive environment where our people want and feel comfortable to bring their entire selves to work.

Varied perspectives contribute to our collective success so whatever your background, we'd love to hear from you and encourage you to apply. If you have any accessibility requirements that will enable you to participate equitably in our recruitment process, please reach out to us for a confidential discussion.

Recruitment Process:

For information on our recruitment process and practice groups, please visit our website.