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applications now open
Applications are now open for Victorian and Queensland law graduates. You can apply to our grad program via our ‘Work with us‘ page.
New South Wales law graduates can apply as of 8 September 2025.
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
applications now open
7 August 2025
applications close
20 August 2025
video interviews
From 22 August 2025
assessment centre
16 & 17 September 2025
final interviews
From 22 September 2025
offers
30 September 2025
applications open
11 August 2025
applications close
22 August 2025
video interviews
From 26 August 2025
assessment centre
9 September 2025
final interviews
15 September 2025
offers
25 September 2025
applications open
8 September 2025
applications close
25 September 2025
video interviews
From 30 September 2025
assessment centre
14 October 2025
final interviews
From 20 October 2025
offers
27 October 2025
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? 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.
graduate stories
Hear about Madison Schenk, Christian Potgieter, Hanna Hallet and Matt King’s grad journeys.
faqs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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
🎓 Macpherson Kelley’s grad program is opening for applications very soon (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. 🤝 🤸♀️
Application dates are in the carousel, but visit the graduate page for more details! 👇
https://bit.ly/4lVWt3C
#lawgraduates #mkgradprogram2026
🎓 There are lots of law graduate programs out there - so how do you choose which one is right for you? Macpherson Kelley is inviting prospective grads into their Melbourne office on Thursday 15 May for a behind-the-scenes look into what it’s like to be an MK grad. Hear from Principal Lawyers, previous grads and our recruitment team as they share their insights and tips and tricks for applying. Submit an expression of interest for the MK grad program to gain registration access: https://employmenthero.com/jobs/job/44c84d4c-790e-40dd-9c1b-5c1d21e6b8be/
💻 Can’t make it in person? We’ll be holding a virtual meet and greet over Teams on Thursday 22 May so everyone has a chance to experience why Macpherson Kelley is a great place to start your career.
#lawgraduates #mkgradprogram2026
Macpherson Kelley is excited to unveil our new brand campaign – a celebration of "Good thinking."
This campaign highlights how our lawyers combine commercial acumen with legal ingenuity and human insight. We treat every client’s business as our own, delivering intelligent, actionable advice every step of the way. Our new campaign mirrors the exceptional quality of our people and it`s about setting new benchmarks in legal innovation while remaining direct and true to our promise—practical legal advice, exceptional service, and, above all, good thinking.
📺With the brand campaign covering a range of media channels here is a taste of what’s to come.
#GoodThinking #MacphersonKelley #CommercialLaw #LegalInnovation
Our Melbourne Managing Principal Nat shares practical things he does to support women in the workplace, including calling out bias and promoting flexible work arrangements. 🙏
#IWD
🤝 We hear from Suzy`s perspective as to why respect, understanding and calling out inappropriate behaviour has been crucial for her, particularly working in a male-dominated field.
#IWD
Cherry shares with us how advocating for herself and her team members has played a positive impact on her career. She also shares the importance of flexible work environments which has assisted her in career growth. 💗
#IWD
🌷 Meet Brigid who shares her thoughts on the support she received after returning to work, after having her first child. 🌷
Work/life balance is incredibly important at MK, and we stand by this through our flexible work policy.
#IWD
🌸 March 8 is International Women’s Day - a time to celebrate the incredible achievements of our women and reflect on the actions we can take to make the world a more equitable place #forallwomenandgirls. This year, in the spirit of storytelling, we wanted to share some perspectives from our team, asking them what practical things have made a positive impact on their career. 🌸
We are proud to be a firm that supports the progression of women in law - from our talent programs through to our flexible work initiatives, and are excited to see what the future has in store.
Meet Annaleise Vulin, Associate in our Dandenong office who shares her thoughts on the importance of bringing colleagues along and providing individuals recognition.
#IWD2025 #womeninlaw
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the team at Macpherson Kelley. 🥂
We hope you enjoy your time with family and friends and look forward to working with you in the new year. Bring on 2025! 🎇
The holiday period is fast approaching! A reminder to clients that our offices will be closed COB Friday 20 December 2024 and will reopen Monday 6 January 2025. Wishing you and your family a restful break!
We are thrilled to announce that Macpherson Kelley`s payroll giving program has been awarded the `highly commended` title from Workplace Giving Australia at this year`s Australian Workplace Giving Awards!
Awards aside, our proudest achievement has to be how the program has created a sense of belonging amongst our people, contributing to a positive workplace culture and enhanced community support.
#workplacegivingawards
#workplacegiving
#workplacegivingaustralia
