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Students & Graduates

Published on:
04 March 2025

We offer fantastic opportunities for students who are interested in commercial law, including our summer and law clerkship programmes and scholar programme.

Want to gain real work experience in commercial law?

If you're interested in our scholar programme, summer or law clerkships, you can pre-register your interest before applications open in early March.

Register now

Our programmes: Real People, Real Work

Are you looking for the best start to your legal career in Aotearoa New Zealand? We truly believe this is what we offer. 

As you transition from university to the legal profession, we aim to provide top opportunities for you to learn, grow and progress your career.

With excellence at the heart of everything we do, we are always raising the bar and challenging ourselves to be leaders. Our culture is based on respect, and we take pride in the work we do for our clients and communities. 

We are looking for law students who are truly passionate about commercial law, enjoy the challenge of solving interesting and complex problems, and bring energy to everything they do. If you are willing to work hard, connect and collaborate across our firm, and be up for learning and growth, this is the place for you.

We have three different opportunities depending on how far you have progressed with your studies:

Scholar Programme

Every year, we offer the opportunity to become a Russell McVeagh Scholar to third year law students across New Zealand. This unique clerkship programme is a fantastic way to get ahead early on in your career. The benefits include work experience, mentoring, financial assistance and the opportunity to summer clerk twice, allowing you to gain hands on legal experience (and to spend time in up to four different practice areas). You will be included in our Scholar Programme for two to three years, meaning you are supported by the firm as you progress through university and into the workplace.

 

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Scholar Programme

Summer Clerks

A summer clerkship is a great way to start your legal career and gain experience in commercial law. This three-month programme runs across the summer university break and is open to students in their penultimate year of study. Our summer clerks are our future talent, and generally return to law clerk with us the following year.

 

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Summer Clerkships

Law Clerks

A law clerkship is a permanent position at Russell McVeagh for students who have finished studying. It's a great opportunity to kick-start your career at one of New Zealand's top commercial law firms where we fully support you as you transition from your studies to full-time work.

 

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Law Clerkships

 

 

 

Our practice groups

Helpful information

Have any questions about our recruitment process? Our Helpful Information page shares some tips and tricks, details on the application and assessment process, and our timeline.

Learn more

Hear first-hand from our partners who share insight into our firm's culture

Nat Walker

Sarah Blackmore

David Weavers

Liz Blythe