Summer Clerk Programme null

Russell McVeagh is New Zealand's premier law firm committed to operating at the cutting edge of legal practice. Our award-winning team of lawyers across Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau and Wellington | Te Whanganui-a-Tara are internationally recognised for their thought leadership, depth of experience and ability to translate complex legal issues into client success stories.

Our values of Respect | Manaaki, Curiosity | Māhirahira, Excellence | Whai hiranga and Tenacity | Whakapau kaha reflect who we are and how we work together.

About the opportunity

Applications are open for our 2025 Summer Clerk programme which will run from the end of November 2025 until mid-February 2026.  This programme is a fantastic opportunity to learn from the best and gain real work experience in a commercial law firm.

As a Summer Clerk at Russell McVeagh, you will:

• Gain real work experience working with some of the leading lawyers in New Zealand on some of the biggest cases and transactions;
• Participate in a comprehensive induction programme and ongoing training throughout the summer;
• Rotate through two teams;
• Have a wide support network, including a buddy in each team;
• Have a meaningful and enjoyable summer.

A summer clerkship at Russell McVeagh will give you valuable insight into what professional life might hold for you and how you could utilise your education to facilitate action in the real world.

About you

We are looking for students who are in the penultimate year of their law degree (planning to finish university studies in 2026 and start their first permanent role early 2027) and have:

• A strong interest in commercial law;
• A strong academic record;
• Demonstrated leadership or involvement in extracurricular activities, for example, community/cultural/sport/volunteering/work or family| whānau commitments;
• Drive, ambition, and a positive attitude;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; and
• Share our values of Respect | Manaaki, Curiosity | Māhirahira, Excellence | Whai hiranga and Tenacity | Whakapau kaha.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of employee benefits focused on supporting our Summer Clerks to succeed and thrive, some of which include:

• Market-leading salary;
• Sign-on bonus to cover clothing and other expenses that help you settle into summer;
• Relocation allowance if transferring cities;
• Support, coaching, and considered training and development programmes to assist with your transition into the workforce; and
• Volunteer opportunities and regular team and firmwide events.