HFW Clerkship Application
Sector-focused global law firm with entrepreneurial culture across construction, shipping, aerospace, commodities and
At a Glance
- Gender pay gap: 7.3%
Rankings & Recognition
- Shipping & Trade Finance, Aviation, Energy & Resources, Insurance, Construction — Firm Website
Workplace & Culture
Gender pay gap: 7.3%
Women in workforce: 52%
Primary carer parental leave: 26 weeks
Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency, Employer Gender Pay Gaps 2024-25 — CC BY 4.0
Clerkship Programme
- Seasonal clerkship program in Sydney and Perth. Sydney: applications open 10 Jun 2026, close 12 Jul 2026
- program runs 23 Nov 2026 – 5 Feb 2027. Perth: applications open 22 Jun 2026, close 26 Jul 2026
- summer program Nov 23 – Dec 11 2026 and winter program Jun 29 – Jul 16 2027. Eligibility: penultimate-year students. Clerks assigned a mentor and buddy within a major sector team (Insurance/Reinsurance and Construction in Sydney
- Construction and Real Estate/Perth). Work on real client matters. Apply via hfw.com with CV, transcript and cover letter. Contact: hfwrecruitmentaus@hfw.com.
Awards & Recognition
Law Firm of the Year Finalist (Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards 2025). Best Newcomer Award (Pro Bono Connect Awards 2026). Brisbane office opened 2025 — expanding Australian footprint to 4 offices (~30+ partners, ~220 team members).
SourcePro Bono & Community
Best Newcomer Award at 2026 Pro Bono Connect Awards, recognising new commitment to structured pro bono program in Australia. Responsible business strategy integrates pro bono alongside CSR, community engagement, and environmental commitments. Global pro bono work is an established component of the firm's responsible business strategy.
SourceCulture & Values
Sector-focused global law firm with entrepreneurial, collaborative, creative culture. Deep industry expertise in construction, shipping, aerospace, commodities, corporate & commercial, insurance/reinsurance. D&I strategy covers 5 areas: gender equality, mental health & wellbeing, race & ethnicity, sexual orientation & gender identity, social mobility. Responsible business strategy considers colleagues, communities, environment, and business partners.
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