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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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We’re pleased to welcome Katrina Pagey and Lucie Marsden to Macpherson Kelley’s Brisbane office.

Katrina joins as a Principal Lawyer in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution team, bringing extensive experience across complex commercial disputes and insolvency matters. Lucie joins as Special Counsel in Wills & Estates, with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families with estate planning and succession.

Their arrival adds valuable depth to our Brisbane team as we continue to strengthen our capability across key practice areas nationally.

Read the full media release on our website.

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Open post by mklawyers with ID 17897403972452835
We’re pleased to welcome Katrina Pagey and Lucie Marsden to Macpherson Kelley’s Brisbane office. Katrina joins as a Principal Lawyer in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution team, bringing extensive experience across complex commercial disputes and insolvency matters. Lucie joins as Special Counsel in Wills & Estates, with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families with estate planning and succession. Their arrival adds valuable depth to our Brisbane team as we continue to strengthen our capability across key practice areas nationally. Read the full media release on our website.

Intellectual Property Principal Lawyers Paul Kirton and Belinda Sigismundi recently attended the @intaglobal 148th Annual Meeting in London, joining more than 10,000 IP professionals, business leaders and policymakers from over 100 jurisdictions.

The conference brought together global perspectives on the future of intellectual property and intangible assets, with discussions spanning AI, brand protection, cross‑border innovation and the commercialisation of IP. As the INTA’s largest annual meeting, it provided a valuable forum for thought leadership, collaboration and knowledge‑sharing across jurisdictions.

Belinda and Paul will return with practical insights to help our clients navigate complex brand protection and IP strategies in Australia and internationally.

#IntellectualProperty #INTA #GoodThinking

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Open post by mklawyers with ID 18585411409029375
Intellectual Property Principal Lawyers Paul Kirton and Belinda Sigismundi recently attended the @intaglobal 148th Annual Meeting in London, joining more than 10,000 IP professionals, business leaders and policymakers from over 100 jurisdictions. The conference brought together global perspectives on the future of intellectual property and intangible assets, with discussions spanning AI, brand protection, cross‑border innovation and the commercialisation of IP. As the INTA’s largest annual meeting, it provided a valuable forum for thought leadership, collaboration and knowledge‑sharing across jurisdictions. Belinda and Paul will return with practical insights to help our clients navigate complex brand protection and IP strategies in Australia and internationally. #IntellectualProperty #INTA #GoodThinking

There are lots of law graduate programs out there, but how do you choose which one is right for you? ⚖️

Join Macpherson Kelley for a virtual meet and greet and get a behind‑the‑scenes look at what it’s like to start your career as an MK graduate. You’ll hear from Principal Lawyers, previous graduates and our recruitment team as they share their experiences and practical insights into the graduate journey, along with tips and advice for applying.

📅 Wednesday 28 May
⏰ 12:30–1:30 pm (AEST)
💻 Online via Microsoft Teams

Register by submitting an expression of interest at the link in our bio.

#lawgraduates #mkgradprogram2027 #lawcareers

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Open post by mklawyers with ID 17897975577286949
There are lots of law graduate programs out there, but how do you choose which one is right for you? ⚖️ Join Macpherson Kelley for a virtual meet and greet and get a behind‑the‑scenes look at what it’s like to start your career as an MK graduate. You’ll hear from Principal Lawyers, previous graduates and our recruitment team as they share their experiences and practical insights into the graduate journey, along with tips and advice for applying. 📅 Wednesday 28 May ⏰ 12:30–1:30 pm (AEST) 💻 Online via Microsoft Teams Register by submitting an expression of interest at the link in our bio. #lawgraduates #mkgradprogram2027 #lawcareers

We’re delighted to welcome Tammy Sava to Macpherson Kelley as a Principal Lawyer in our Adelaide Wills & Estates team.

Tammy is a highly regarded wills and estates practitioner with extensive experience advising individuals, families and business owners on complex private client matters. Her appointment supports our continued investment in South Australia and strengthens our national private client capability across all five offices.

Read the full media release on our website.

#WillsandEstates #PrivateClient

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Open post by mklawyers with ID 18363737962233602
We’re delighted to welcome Tammy Sava to Macpherson Kelley as a Principal Lawyer in our Adelaide Wills & Estates team. Tammy is a highly regarded wills and estates practitioner with extensive experience advising individuals, families and business owners on complex private client matters. Her appointment supports our continued investment in South Australia and strengthens our national private client capability across all five offices. Read the full media release on our website. #WillsandEstates #PrivateClient

 

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