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as graduates you’re ready to take the
first step in your legal career.
no doubt you have a lot of questions.

will I get hands on experience?

will I get to try different areas of law?

will I get exposure to clients?

will I have a work life balance?

our answer is yes and a whole lot more!

key graduate dates

our graduate
program

We want our graduates to become strong, commercially minded lawyers. That means working closely with clients to understand the challenges they face, identifying opportunities for them and adding value to their businesses. One day you might be in a client’s factory or head office. Another you could be in court or front and centre at a mediation.

Our year-long graduate program will see you rotate every three months through a range of law practice areas. We want to give you the opportunity to see what you enjoy and where you would like to focus your career long term. This is your year so make the most of it!

We don’t expect you to know it all. In fact, your professional development is a key priority for us. You will be able to take part in our Macpherson Kelley Business School, as well as Business Bootcamps which feature practical scenarios and real world case studies. You’ll also receive mentoring and regular feedback from our senior lawyers.

What does our graduate program offer?

  • An extensive induction and on-boarding program.
  • Four rotations with exposure to different practice areas.
  • Professional development opportunities through the MK Business School.
  • A buddy and mentor to help support you throughout your graduate year.
  • Regular feedback.
  • Exposure to clients from day one.
  • Long-term career progression.
  • Opportunities to participate in fun activities – social, sporting and community focused events.
  • A down to earth and flexible workplace culture.
  • A healthy work life balance through our Flex+ and Wellness+ programs.
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tips and tricks for applying

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day in the life

Want a behind-the-scenes look into a day in the life of an MK grad? Fuelled by coffee and vibes, Bailey Breen and Amy Ridge document their day and let us in on what makes our program and culture unique.

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graduate stories

Hear about Madison Schenk, Christian Potgieter, Hanna Hallet and Matt King’s grad journeys.

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faqs

  • Is Macpherson Kelley the right fit for me?

    Our people are as diverse as the challenges they tackle, and that’s something we value deeply. But despite our differences, there are a few qualities that unite us.

    We’re commercial, energetic, ambitious, entrepreneurial, and confident. We speak plainly, think pragmatically, and roll up our sleeves. At Macpherson Kelley, participation isn’t optional—there are no sidelines here. Everyone gets involved, and that’s what makes us who we are.

    If that sounds like you, then you might just be a great fit.

  • Does the Graduate Program vary from state to state?

    Ever so slightly, though our graduate program is truly national.

    Across all states, it consists of a 12-month program across a range of practice areas exposing you to a variety of difference experiences and environments.

    In Victoria, we have graduates based in both our Dandenong and Melbourne offices. Our Victorian graduates complete Supervised Legal Training, allowing for practical on-the-job learning.

    Our Brisbane graduates also complete Supervised Legal Training.

    Our Sydney graduates complete Practical Legal Training through the College of Law. PLT is the only pathway for admission to practice in NSW.

  • What do you look for in graduate applications?

    We are interested in who you are and the individual strengths you can bring to Macpherson Kelley. We do not look to fill a particular mould.

    Our graduates come from a diverse range of backgrounds, but they all share something in common by exemplifying our core values: talk straight, play as a team, and better each day.

  • What will make my application stand out?

    When we review applications, we’re interested in well-rounded individuals who exhibit:

    • Demonstrated commercial awareness and client focused thinking.
    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
    • A balanced lifestyle—we want to know your interests outside of law.
    • Solid academic performance, showing commitment and capability.
    • Proven teamwork ability, because collaboration is integral to everything we do.

  • What should my application include?

    To complete your application, you will be required to answer a series of questions to assist us in getting to know you better. In addition, you will need to submit the following documents:

    • Your current CV – including work experience, extracurricular activities, and both academic and non-academic achievements.
    • Your most recent academic transcript.

    Applications that do not include a CV or academic transcript will not be considered.

  • What other application tips can you provide?

    • Read the advertisement carefully and make sure your application includes everything that’s required.
    • Tell us what attracted you to Macpherson Kelley and why you are interested in working with us.
    • Show us you’ve done research on the firm.
    • Share your key skills, interests, extra-curricular activities and work experience.
    • Check your application carefully for formatting, spelling and grammatical errors.
    • Make sure you get your application in ahead of time—allow time for any technical problems.

  • Any advice for video interviews/ assessment centre/interviews?

    Our goal is to get to know the real you—so relax, be yourself, and enjoy the opportunity to meet our team and learn more about Macpherson Kelley. This is your chance to decide if we’re the right fit for you too!

    Be ready and willing to get involved and try new things! Think of our values and how you could demonstrate them during this process.

    How to prepare for the assessment centre and interview:

    • Read up on recent news about our firm, our clients, competitors, and the industries we work in.
    • Practice interview responses with friends or family to build confidence.
    • Review your application to refresh your memory on what you’ve shared with us.
    • Be punctual.
    • Be honest and try to relax. We’re looking for potential, not perfection.
    • Engage confidently. Make eye contact, avoid fidgeting, and show enthusiasm.
    • Emphasise your strengths and potential, not your shortcomings.
    • Prepare a few thoughtful questions that genuinely matter to you.

  • Does MK hire international students for graduate roles?

    International students who are permanent residents or hold a valid work Visa are welcome to apply for our graduate program.

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A friendly reminder that Macpherson Kelley`s offices will be closed Tuesday 23 December until Monday 12 January. Wishing our clients a very happy holidays and all the best in the new year. ✨

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Open post by mklawyers with ID 18146001943452207
A friendly reminder that Macpherson Kelley's offices will be closed Tuesday 23 December until Monday 12 January. Wishing our clients a very happy holidays and all the best in the new year. ✨

NSW law graduates - it`s your turn!🎓 Applications are now open for NSW law graduates looking to kickstart their career at Macpherson Kelley. NSW graduates will enjoy Harbour Bridge views and renovated facilities as our Sydney office has only just recently undergone a relocation project! ✨ Pair that with hands-on mentoring, flexible work policies, and the opportunity to positively impact Sydney`s business community, and you`ve got a grad program that`s uniquely invested in your career and success.

👉 Learn more about what Macpherson Kelley can offer: https://mk.com.au/join-us/graduates/
👉 Submit your application today: https://employmenthero.com/jobs/position/730b8ddc-3b46-4f5c-a8f0-565bc6c03c4c/

#NSWlawgrads #Sydneylawgraduates #MKgradprogram

1 0
Open post by mklawyers with ID 18084504430907373
NSW law graduates - it's your turn!🎓 Applications are now open for NSW law graduates looking to kickstart their career at Macpherson Kelley. NSW graduates will enjoy Harbour Bridge views and renovated facilities as our Sydney office has only just recently undergone a relocation project! ✨ Pair that with hands-on mentoring, flexible work policies, and the opportunity to positively impact Sydney's business community, and you've got a grad program that's uniquely invested in your career and success. 👉 Learn more about what Macpherson Kelley can offer: https://mk.com.au/join-us/graduates/ 👉 Submit your application today: https://employmenthero.com/jobs/position/730b8ddc-3b46-4f5c-a8f0-565bc6c03c4c/ #NSWlawgrads #Sydneylawgraduates #MKgradprogram

Applications are open until this Friday for Queensland law graduates looking to kick-start their career at Macpherson Kelley! 🎓

Want some tips and tricks on how to get your application right? Check out our latest video.

👉 Visit mk.com.au/graduates to learn more about our graduate program.
👉 You can submit your applications to the team here: https://employmenthero.com/jobs/position/2228bb29-30a2-4c68-8ec2-dbc3108f1c8b/


#lawgraduates #mkgradprogram2026

18 0
Open post by mklawyers with ID 18047597612642402
Applications are open until this Friday for Queensland law graduates looking to kick-start their career at Macpherson Kelley! 🎓 Want some tips and tricks on how to get your application right? Check out our latest video. 👉 Visit mk.com.au/graduates to learn more about our graduate program. 👉 You can submit your applications to the team here: https://employmenthero.com/jobs/position/2228bb29-30a2-4c68-8ec2-dbc3108f1c8b/ #lawgraduates #mkgradprogram2026

We are thrilled to announce that Macpherson Kelley will be expanding its operations to South Australia, following the acquisition of Adelaide law firm, O`Loughlins Lawyers. 🎊 This announcement marks a pivotal step forward for Macpherson Kelley - driving our strategic growth ambitions and deepening our capabilities in industries and specialist areas where we see alignment. 🤝

We are excited to welcome all four O’Loughlins Partners, Hamish Archibald, Josh Abbott, Rebecca Barr and Kym Ryder to the Macpherson Kelley fold along with their talented lawyers, support and service staff.

🎉 Please join us in celebrating this exciting milestone!

#MacphersonKelleyExpansion #MacphersonKelleySouthAustralia #GoodThinking

24 0
Open post by mklawyers with ID 18051141902543856
We are thrilled to announce that Macpherson Kelley will be expanding its operations to South Australia, following the acquisition of Adelaide law firm, O'Loughlins Lawyers. 🎊 This announcement marks a pivotal step forward for Macpherson Kelley - driving our strategic growth ambitions and deepening our capabilities in industries and specialist areas where we see alignment. 🤝 We are excited to welcome all four O’Loughlins Partners, Hamish Archibald, Josh Abbott, Rebecca Barr and Kym Ryder to the Macpherson Kelley fold along with their talented lawyers, support and service staff. 🎉 Please join us in celebrating this exciting milestone! #MacphersonKelleyExpansion #MacphersonKelleySouthAustralia #GoodThinking

 

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