2026 First Nations Legal Cadetships (Sydney + Melbourne)

Job Description

About us

Gilbert + Tobin is built on enduring values of excellence, trust, respect, integrity and good corporate citizenship. We are a leading firm with over 500 lawyers, trusted by our clients to navigate today’s increasingly complex world.

We are purpose-built for our clients’ most complex work - across transactions, disputes and regulation. Our partners are leaders in their fields, delivering the highest quality of legal advice and providing an exceptional edge for our clients. They also provide our lawyers the opportunity to work with and learn from them. We are innovators in the use of technology, redefining value and service in the legal industry.

Our open, merit-based culture attracts and inspires the best legal talent. Founded in 1988, G+T’s journey has been one of relentless ambition and rapid progress, achieving extraordinary success in just over three decades.

We remain as determined as ever to be the best it’s possible to be.

About the program

Our cadetship is open First Nations law students who have completed at least one year of university study. You will have an opportunity to experience different areas of our business, depending on prior work experience.

Cadets typically work one to two days per week during semester, alongside full-time or part-time study. Depending on workflow at the time, additional days may be offered during semester breaks.

Cadets work closely with our lawyers who are specialists in their areas of legal practice. We will provide you with the opportunity to build new skills, knowledge and experience and to gain a greater understanding of our clients and their industries. The program supports you as you complete your studies by offering practical and challenging work and formal mentoring.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter and possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to work autonomously as well as in a team environment is also important for this role. 

About you

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Currently enrolled in an LLB or JD (part-time or full-time).
• Studying at a Sydney or Melbourne located university or studying by distance education at another institution and able to attend work each week at our Sydney or Melbourne office.
• Going into the 2nd year of your undergraduate degree or at any stage of your JD.

Your application

Please submit your cover letter, CV and academic transcripts. A screen shot of your academic transcript is sufficient if you do not have an official copy.

Your cover letter is the most important part of your application. Your cover letter must address the following:

• About you, including your background and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.
• What interests you about studying law? For example, are there particular issues, experiences, or goals that have shaped this choice?
• What skills, experiences, or support would you like to gain through a cadetship, and how might these help you on your journey through law school and beyond?
• What about G+T’s work, values, or approach appeals to you?
• Your expected degree completion date and your availability for work from 2 February 2026.

Key recruitment dates

• Applications open: 1 September 2025
• Applications close: 30 September 2025
• Interviews: October 2025
• Program commences: early February 2026

What we offer

• A supportive and flexible work environment.
• Top of market remuneration and a range of benefits including 26 weeks paid parental leave, additional annual leave, subsidised café and gym membership, end of trip facilities, exclusive retail discounts, social events and much more, which you can view here: https://www.gtlaw.com.au/careers/benefits
• Beautiful sunlit open-plan offices with panoramic views of the city and easy access to public transport, restaurants, cafes and exercise facilities. 
• Successful applicants enrolled in undergraduate law may be eligible to receive Commonwealth Indigenous Cadetship Support if they meet the eligibility criteria for this funding, which we access through AFL Sports Ready.

Additional Information

This is a role to redress the under-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the legal profession and is intended to constitute a special measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). Under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), an exemption has been granted to Gilbert + Tobin from sections 8 and 51 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) for this program.

Please submit your interest via our career’s website with a resume.
  
We are committed to providing and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment and a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.