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Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for this program, you must submit your application with evidence of the following: 

  • Be an Australian citizen. 
  • Be currently enrolled in the penultimate year of a Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent) degree at a recognised Australian university. 

Skills you need

To be suitable for a role, you should have most or all of the following skills: 

  • Demonstrate curiosity in learning about government legal practice. 
  • The ability to perform legal research and analyse information effectively. 
  • The ability to draft legal documents and communicate your ideas clearly. 
  • A focus on accuracy in your work, especially when handling legal documents. 
  • A willingness to work collaboratively with legal professionals in a supportive environment. 

Benefits 

Working with the Australian Government offers excellent benefits, including: 

  • Gain real-world experience by working on a variety of legal tasks, such as research, drafting, and document management. 
  • Develop skills that are valuable for a future career in law, such as legal research, analysis, and communication. 
  • Learn about the legislative process and the role of government lawyers in policy implementation. 
  • Start and end dates are adjusted to accommodate your university commitments 

Locations

Canberra 

What to expect in this program

Participants gain valuable skills and experience throughout the program. The program consists of: 

  • Work on requests for legal advice and support policy development. 
  • Gain experience in preparing legal documents and ensuring their accuracy. 
  • Contribute to document management, discovery processes, and administrative support. 
  • Access training sessions and networking opportunities to enhance your understanding of government law. 

Application Process

1

Online Application

Applications typically open in August-September each year. Complete the application form on the Department of Veterans' Affairs website. 

2

Review

Your application will be reviewed, and if suitable, you will be contacted to discuss the clerkship. 

3

Clerkship Offer

Selected candidates will receive an offer, detailing the placement goals and program expectations. 

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