To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best-paying graduate jobs in Australia. You’ll find a lot of great law firms there, but here are the top five of the bunch.
Gilbert + Tobin is a Big Six law firm renowned for handling complex transactions in Australia, particularly in M&A. G+T also has the distinction of being one of the best-paying firms in the country (if not the best), particularly when it comes to graduate salaries.
“G+T is very generous with its pay and benefits. You'd be hard-pressed to find a law firm that does better, the salaries are among the highest. I've received several pay raises and bonuses that were unexpectedly higher than what was anticipated and the firm consistently rewards its employees when business is doing well.” - Anonymous graduate review
“I would definitely recommend students have interests and passions outside of their career. The best and most successful lawyers in my opinion are people who are well-rounded, perceptive, interesting and diverse.” - Graduate story
Here’s what you need to know about getting accepted into G+T in their own words.
Being the oldest law firm in Australia has given Allens plenty of time to excel in different areas, like its industry-leading graduate training program: Allens Academy. Graduates can also choose a secondment in any of the 26 countries they operate in via their partnership with Linklaters.
“When you’re a junior, you’re not expected to know all of the answers to the complex legal questions, but what you can do is know the document back to front; you can know as much as you can about the client.” - Graduate experience video
“Free taxis and dinners for working after hours / travelling to work events, nationwide gym access, many free social events, shopping discounts, gifts to reward teams for effort e.g. AMEX spends, prezee vouchers and more” - Anonymous graduate review
These tips on how to make the most of the Allens Clerkship are a must-read.
Not every company that pays excellently is a great place to work, but Herbert Smith Freehills is. HSF has been ranked extremely high on diversity, culture, and recruitment by recent graduates, which is why it is the #1 firm on Prosple.
“It was incredible to go from being a student one day to working one-on-one with a partner at HSF the next.” - Graduate story
“The combination of doing brilliant work with brilliant people is my favourite part of my job. The deals that we work on [are] market-leading, complex and engaging.” - Graduate story
You might also enjoy watching a day in the life of a Sydney Vacation Clerk.
As a global firm new to Australia, White & Case is eager to attract top talent, and it’s offering a great package to graduates for that reason. Expect a high base salary, fully-funded overseas rotations, and a decent wellness allowance.
“The recent pay increase in January 2022 has put us at the top of the market (as far as I can tell). Prior to the pay increase, the pay was market average. Beyond your grad year, there is an opportunity to earn bonuses if you hit a certain number of billable hours for the calendar year.” - Anonymous graduate review
“The coolest thing about my job is definitely the international nature of the work and the opportunity to participate in domestic and international rotations, as part of the Graduate Program.” - Graduate story
Here are some insider hints & tips that will help you excel during the recruitment process.
MinterEllison is the largest firm in Australia by staff strength, but they are not the stereotypical big company. MinterEllison’s company culture is highly-regarded for making clerks and graduates feel welcome by giving them direct access to partners, complex transactions and many social events within and outside the office.
“The other graduates at the firm are great people to learn from and admire. I enjoy spending time with them in and out of the office, and I am really glad I am able to have a personal and professional relationship with many people I work with.” - Anonymous graduate review
“They have such a diversity of clients that they get free tickets to random sporting events or opening nights for movies, etc. Any lunches or dinners with Partners are included and many of the social events are also supported by the company. If you end up staying late, (after 7) they provide dinner and taxi back home. Gym membership is also free.” Anonymous graduate review
Learn more about their graduate program from this insightful Q&A with MinterEllison Grads.
Law graduates have never had it better regarding salaries and perks, and we expect it to keep improving. Besides the five companies listed here, several other law firms are offering compensation close to six figures.
If you’re feeling spoilt for choice, you can narrow your options by reading 7 tips for choosing the right law firm.