Wondering who tops the list of law firms employing graduates?
Here's a clue or two based on what our research says about the popularity and quality of programs offered by 10 top tier law firms.
Want the nuts and bolts behind our methodology? Here you go
Ok, to trust us? Read on.
No matter where you launch your legal career, you’ll be:
If you’re keen to:
Super strong corporate social responsibility and deeply satisfying pro bono opportunities are here in spades
Numbers-wise, not much separates the top 10. The ratings range from 7.5 – to 9.1 /10. But who doesn't love a percentage point?
But the point is, while you’re pondering the space between two percentage points, your gut is perusing reviews and sneak peeks. On balance, go with your gut.
A snapshot view to give you a sense of Allens’ ethos and culture.
The upside – high autonomy complemented by strong mentoring
The downside – very long (but very flexible) hours
Sneak peek – a day in the life of Conor Ruane
Wellbeing and workplace culture 9.1/10
The 3 word review - ‘supportive’, ‘flexible’, ‘respectful.’
‘Great levels of cooperation, everyone is respectful at all levels. Social life is good at the firm.’ More reviews
A snapshot view to give you a sense of Ashhurst’s ethos and culture.
The upside – oceans of room to grow
The downside – it can be tough to find your feet in a giant firm
Sneak peek - a day in the life of Jessica Apel
Wellbeing and workplace culture 8.7/10
The 3(ish) word review - ‘approachable’, ‘collegiate’, ‘hierarchical’ (to varying degrees across the teams)
‘Excellent culture between graduates, with many social events organised by the group. Plenty of sporting opportunities.’ More reviews
A snapshot view to give you a sense of Herbert Smith Freehills’ ethos and culture.
The upside – plenty of ‘deep end’ opportunities
The downside – navigating ‘slow’ times between bouts of intense pressure
Sneak peek – a day in the life of Linda Nguyen
Wellbeing and workplace culture 9/10
The 3(ish) word review - ‘inclusive’, ‘responsive’, ‘high-profile.’
‘A top-tier firm that does work that appears on the front page of the AFR/SMH so that the work will always be complex and large-scale. It is also an extremely friendly firm with a very unobtrusive hierarchy.’ More reviews
A snapshot view to give you a sense of MinterEllisons’ ethos and culture.
The upside – super supportive, highly connected, fun place to work
The downside – informal training outshines formal training
Sneak peek – Lawyer Emily Miers on balancing personal and professional goals
Wellbeing and workplace culture 8.7/10
The 3 word review - ‘social’, ‘collegiate’, ‘friendly.’
‘The company culture is one of the best elements about the firm - Partners ensure to constantly check in with their juniors, plenty of team bonding and events to encourage team morale and connections with colleagues.’ More reviews
A snapshot view to give you a sense of King & Wood Mallesons’ ethos and culture.
The upside – KWM invests enormous energy in making the firm a great place to work.
The downside – long hours, offset by flexibility, loads of pressure offset by strong support.
Sneak peek – a day in the life of Aisling Scott.
Wellbeing and workplace culture 8.7/10
The 3(ish) word review - ‘convivial’, ‘down-to-earth’, ‘supportive.’
‘Fun, young, vibrant, everyone gets along, friendly, approachable both in and after hours. Flat hierarchy. Focused on teamwork. Very social amongst colleagues.’ More reviews
A snapshot view to give you a sense of Clayton Utz’s ethos and culture.
The upside – lots of challenging work in a very inclusive environment
The downside – managing workflow peaks and troughs
Sneak peek – a day in the life of Minnie Wu
Wellbeing and workplace culture 8.6/10
The 3 word review - ‘genuine’, ‘kind, ‘collegiate.’
‘The firm clearly allows people to be their true selves.’ More reviews
A snapshot view to give you a sense of DLA Piper Australia’s ethos and culture.
The upside – small teams, oodles of work and responsibility
The downside – small teams, oodles of work and responsibility
Sneak peek – a day in the life of Reid Hadaway
Wellbeing and workplace culture 8.2/10
The 3(ish) word review - ‘flat structure’, ‘warm’, ‘welcoming.’
‘There is a strong team culture at DLA Piper. People are approachable and friendly, and this is apparent both inside and outside of the office.’ More reviews
A snapshot view to give you a sense of Corrs Chambers Westgarths’ ethos and culture.
The upside – lots of generously offered opportunities
The downside – long or fluctuating hours (but offset by flexible conditions)
Sneak peek –Lawyer Billie Parkinson on working at Corrs (2 minute video)
Wellbeing and workplace culture 8.9/10
The 3 word review - ‘relaxed, ‘amicable’, ‘open.’
‘Excellent culture. Full of down-to-earth and easy to get along with people.’ More reviews
A snapshot view to give you a sense of Clifford Chance's ethos and culture.
The upside – loads of top-tier opportunities in Australia and around Asia-Pacific
The downside – very long hours and intense workloads
Sneak peek – a day in the life of Sharfah Mohamed
Wellbeing and workplace culture 8.3/10
The 3(ish) word review - ‘friendly’, ‘cooperative’, ‘less hierarchy.’
‘The hours can be long, but this is complemented by the supportive and collegial nature of the teams.’ More reviews
Read more
A snapshot view to give you a sense of Norton Rose Fulbright's ethos and culture.
The upside – heaps of options across six industries with diverse portfolios
The downside – it can be tough to score a place in your preferred area or team
Sneak peek – a day in the life of Mauricio Da Rocha
Wellbeing and workplace culture 8.0/10
The 3(ish) word review - ‘approachable’, ‘supportive’, ‘great diversity.’
‘The company's culture is one of the main reasons I chose to come here. Everyone is friendly, from corporate services, young lawyers to the most senior partners.’ (sic) More reviews
Looking at a range of roles in the legal sector? Look here!