2027 First Nations Legal Cadetships (Sydney, Melbourne + Perth)

Company Description

Gilbert + Tobin is built on enduring values of excellence, trust, respect, integrity and good corporate citizenship. These values have underscored our growth, enabling us to become a leading firm of over 500 lawyers, trusted by our clients to navigate today’s increasingly complex world.

We are purpose built for our clients’ most complex and critical work - across transactions, disputes and regulation. Our partners are plain-speaking leaders in their fields, delivering the highest quality of legal advice and providing an exceptional edge for our clients. We are innovators in the use of technology, redefining value and service in the legal industry.

Our open, merit-based culture attracts and inspires the best legal talent. Founded in 1988, Gilbert + Tobin’s journey has been one of relentless ambition and rapid progress, achieving extraordinary success in just over three decades.

We remain as determined as ever to be the best it’s possible to be.

Job Description

About the program

Our First Nations Legal Cadetship Program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students who, in 2027, will be in their second year through to penultimate year of an undergraduate law degree, or studying a Juris Doctor (JD) at any stage of their degree.  

As a cadet, you will gain practical legal experience while completing your studies and have the opportunity to experience different areas of our business, depending on your interests, previous experience and business needs.

Cadets typically work one to two days per week during semester, alongside full-time or part-time study. Depending on workflow at the time, additional days may be offered during semester breaks.

You will work closely with lawyers who are specialists in their areas of legal practice. We will support you to build your legal skills, knowledge and experience and to gain a greater understanding of our clients and their industries.

The program is designed to support you throughout your studies through practical and challenging work, formal mentoring and a dedicated support network.

About you

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Currently enrolled in an LLB or JD, either part-time or full-time.
• Studying at a university in Sydney, Perth or Melbourne, or studying by distance education at another institution and able to attend work each week at our Sydney, Perth or Melbourne office.
• In 2027, you will be in your second year through to penultimate year of an undergraduate law degree, or any stage of your JD.
• Motivated to learn; a clear and thoughtful communicator; and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Your application

Please submit your cover letter, CV and academic transcripts. A screen shot of your academic transcript is sufficient if you do not have an official copy.

Your cover letter is the most important part of your application. We want to hear about you, your interests and what you hope to gain from the program. Please address the following:

• Tell us about yourself, including your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity and background.
• What interests you about studying law? Are there particular issues, experiences or goals that have shaped your choice to study law?
• What skills, experiences or support would you like to gain through a cadetship, and how might these support you through law school and beyond?
• What about G+T's work, values or approach appeals to you?
• Your expected degree completion date and your availability to work from 1 February 2027.

Key dates

Applications open: 1 September 2026

Applications close: 30 September 2026

More information:

Hear from one of our current First Nations Cadets about their experience at Gilbert + Tobin: here.

Kimberley Peckham, First Nations Strategies Lead, 02 9263 4111, [email protected].

G+T is proud to offer all of its employees a range of excellent benefits which you can view on our careers website.  In addition, successful applicants enrolled in undergraduate law may be eligible to receive Commonwealth Indigenous Cadetship Support if they meet the eligibility criteria for this funding, which we access through AFL Sports Ready.

This is a role to redress the under-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the legal profession and is intended to constitute a special measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). Under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), an exemption has been granted to Gilbert + Tobin from sections 8 and 51 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) for this program.

Additional Information

Please submit your interest via our career’s website with a resume.
  
We are committed to providing and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment and a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.