hello. we’re glad you’re
getting in touch.
Fill in form below, or simply call us on 1800 888 966
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
-
Victoria (Applications closed)
Meet MK (in-person): 21 May 2026 from 5-7 pm
Meet MK (virtual): 28 May 2026 from 12:30-1:30 pm
Applications Open: 7 August 2026
Applications Close: 23 August 2026
Video Interviews: From 25 August 2026
Assessment Centre: 15 and 16 September 2026
Final Interviews: From 21 September 2026
Offers: 30 September 2026 -
Queensland (Applications closed)
Meet MK (virtual): 28 May 2026 from 12:30-1:30 pm
Applications Open: 10 August 2026
Applications Close: 21 August 2026
Video Interviews: From 25 August 2026
Assessment Centre: 8 September 2026
Final Interviews: From 14 September 2026
Offers: 24 September 2026 -
New South Wales
Meet MK (virtual): 28 May 2026 from 12:30-1:30 pm
Applications Open: 7 September 2026
Applications Close: 24 September 2026
Video Interviews: From 29 September 2026
Assessment Centre: 13 October 2026
Final Interviews: From 19 October 2026
Offers: 26 October 2026 -
South Australia
Meet MK (virtual): 28 May 2026 from 12:30-1:30 pm
Applications Open: 7 September 2026
Applications Close: 24 September 2026
Video Interviews: From 29 September 2026
Assessment Centre: 19 October 2026
Final Interviews: 26 October 2026
Offers: 28 October 2026
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.
tips and tricks for applying
day in the life
Want a behind-the-scenes look into a day in the life of an MK grad? Spend the day with our Melbourne grads and discover what makes the MK grad experience unique. Whether it’s working on client matters, attending meetings, catching up with colleagues at morning tea or getting out into the city, there’s always something new on the agenda.
graduate stories
Hear about Madison Schenk, Christian Potgieter, Hanna Hallet and Matt King’s grad journeys.
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.
Eligibility for the Macpherson Kelley Law Graduate Program requires completion of a course of study that is recognised as an academic qualification for admission to legal practice in Australia by the relevant governing bodies.
-
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.
follow us on instagram
Good Thinking starts with understanding your goals. We provide practical legal advice, responsive support and recommendations you can act on.
Visit mk.com.au to learn more.
#NPS #GoodThinking
Not every graduate lawyer gets to appear in court in their first year. Cooper did. ⚖️
As a graduate in MK`s program, Cooper rotated through IP, commercial and corporate, and litigation and dispute resolution, gaining hands-on experience at every stage.
His advice for final year students applying? Treat each stage of the process as a chance to learn, not just be assessed. It`s your opportunity to find out if the firm`s a fit for you too.
Applications for MK`s graduate program open 7 September for NSW and SA. Visit our website to learn more.
#LawGraduates #MKGradProgram2027
Last night we traded the boardroom for the runway at Brisbane Fashion Festival. ✨
We kicked off our Women in Business event with drinks at the MK office, followed by the opening W Fashion Show at Brisbane City Hall. It was great to spend the evening with clients and partners against the backdrop of one of Brisbane`s premier fashion events.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a great night!
#WomenInBusiness #BrisbaneFashionFestival
We`re pleased to celebrate Senior Associate Sapphire Parsons, who was named a finalist in the Innovator of the Year category at the @lawyers_weekly Australian Law Awards 2026.
Congratulations, Sapphire, on this outstanding recognition and your continued commitment to driving innovation in the legal industry. 👏
Meet Darcie, one of our lawyers who started her journey at MK through the Graduate Program. 💬
Her story is just one example of how our graduates are supported to learn and grow their careers at MK.
Thinking of applying to our Graduate Program? Applications for Victoria and Queensland open soon. Head to our website to learn more. 💻
#LawGraduates #MKGradProgram2027
Applications for Macpherson Kelley’s Graduate Program are just around the corner (particularly for Victorian and Queensland graduates)! 🎓
Experience a genuinely supportive environment that prioritises flexibility, community impact and professional development at every stage of your career. Our grads can expect hands-on exposure to working with clients and the opportunity to make a positive impact on workplace culture.
📍 Key application dates for each state are included in the carousel.
To learn more about the program and where your career could start, head to our website (link in bio). 💻
#LawGraduates #MKGradProgram2027
Good thinking starts with understanding your business. We take the time to listen and deliver practical advice that helps you achieve your goals. 💡
Visit mk.com.au to learn more.
#NPS #ClientCulture #GoodThinking
#ICYMI, Macpherson Kelley was recognised in @lawyers_weekly`s Top 25 Attraction Firms for 2025–26.
For us, the result is really about our people. We`ve continued to listen, learn and evolve our Employee Value Proposition to better reflect who we are: good people and great lawyers who see the bigger picture and bring clients along for the journey. We value curiosity, clarity and straight-talking smarts because that`s what drives better outcomes for our clients and stronger careers for our team.
At Macpherson Kelley, you`ll find a workplace that`s flexible, inclusive and genuinely invested in your growth — with opportunities to develop and build your career through initiatives including mentoring, additional leave options, generous parental leave policies and the MK Business School.
#WorkplaceCulture #LegalCareers #GoodThinking
No two days in the MK grad program look quite the same. 🔍
Spend the day with our Melbourne grads, Vilai Tongkummark, Antonietta Di Cosmo and Henry Bombardieri, and discover what makes the MK grad experience unique. Whether it’s working on client matters, attending meetings, catching up with colleagues at morning tea or getting out into the city for the Good Thinking: On the Move Challenge, there’s always something new on the agenda.
Want to learn more? Head to our website to explore the grad program and see where your career could start. 💻
#LawGraduates #MKGradProgram2027 #DayInTheLife
We`re proud to be recognised by @prosple.au as one of Australia`s Top 10 law graduate employers for 2026. 🎓
This recognition reflects something we`ve always believed: graduates learn best when they`re trusted to get involved.
That means real client exposure from the outset, support from experienced mentors, opportunities to explore different practice areas, and the freedom to ask questions, challenge yourself and shape your own career path.
We believe graduates shouldn`t have to choose between great work and a great workplace. That`s why we invest in meaningful development opportunities alongside flexible ways of working, strong support networks and a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work.
Think MK could be the right fit for you? Learn more about our graduate program at the link in our bio.
#MKGradProgram2027 #LawGraduates #LegalCareers
With the new financial year underway, we are pleased to announce our national promotions for July 2026. 🎉
Congratulations to all our lawyers, including Dirk Heinz, promoted to Principal Lawyer in PLN; Justin Bellino and Amy Clarke to Special Counsel in Property; Christina Zhang to Senior Associate in Planning & Environment; and to our new Associates: Jasmine Bates, Hamish Glaspole, Isobel Graham, Emily Huynh, Angela Ipara and Anthony Tran.
These promotions recognise the outstanding performance and contribution of our people across the firm. Many of this year’s promoted cohort began their careers at MK as graduates, reflecting the continued strength of our national graduate program.
Please join us in congratulating our team. 👏
#NationalPromotions #MacphersonKelley #GoodThinking
Ever wondered what life as an MK grad actually looks like? 👀
Spend the day with our Sydney grads, Patrick Anastasiou, Sofia Pauley and Jackson Brown-Beresford, as they take you behind the scenes at MK. From catching up with mentors to hands-on client work and even getting the opportunity to go to court, get a glimpse into the real experience our grads have every day.
Want to learn more? Head to our website to explore the grad program and see where your career could start. 💻
#LawGraduates #MKGradProgram2027 #DayInTheLife
stay up to date with our news & insights