Melbourne Graduate Program 2026

About Us

Hamilton Locke is part of HPX Group. We empower exceptional people to deliver essential legal, risk, compliance and privacy services. We provide the most practical and effective professional services on the market, no matter our clients’ business size or need.

Our Graduate Program in Melbourne offers an exciting opportunity to kick start your legal career with one of Australia’s fastest growing firms and winner of Australia’s Law Firm of the Year (2025).

At Hamilton Locke we have left old-school firm thinking behind. Our agile and collaborative leaders focus on creating a positive and supportive environment. With this support behind you, you will be able to deliver exceptional work and ensure our clients get outstanding results. This is win-win-win.

We put you first. Our ‘people experience’ (PX), is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring you thrive in an environment designed for success. By supporting our people, we create an unmatched 'client experience' (CX), giving you the chance to do exceptional work and make a real impact. We are culture-led, operating with a clear purpose and values-driven leadership model, prioritising personal and professional development.

The Opportunity

Jumpstart your career with our rotational graduate program, a dynamic opportunity where you’ll gain hands-on experience across three distinct practice areas over an 18-month period, commencing in March 2026. You will work closely with industry-leading professionals across numerous areas of law including Banking & Finance; Construction; Corporate & Commercial, Restructuring & Insolvency and Litigation & Dispute Resolution.

In each of your rotations, you will be allocated a supervising partner, coach and buddy, enabling you to work in a supportive and collaborative environment which will allow you to develop your legal skills.

You’ll gain hands-on experience working on real legal matters, which may include attending court hearings, participating in client meetings, conducting legal research, and contributing to complex legal transactions.

You’ll benefit from active mentoring, professional development sessions, and plenty of social events and networking opportunities for you to begin building the valuable relationships that will grow with you.

About you

- We’re looking for someone who:
- Has completed their law degree and is either newly admitted or working towards admission.
- Is available to work full time commencing in March 2026.
- Wants a supportive, high performing team culture.
- Thrives in a team-oriented environment, takes the initiative, owns responsibilities, and wants to deliver impactful results.
- Has a natural curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning, is eager to grow and embraces change.
- Feels comfortable navigating ambiguity, bringing fresh ideas to the table, and charting the path forward in complex situations.

What’s in it for you

- A high-quality start to your legal career, working with a firm which is making waves nationally
- Work from our stunning new office at 161 Collins Street
- A comprehensive orientation program
- Mentorship from your supervising partner, coach and buddy within each of your practice groups
- Access to high quality work, great clients and professional development opportunities
- A fun, collaborative and high-performing team environment with regular social events and networking opportunities
- A competitive remuneration package, including equity pursuant to the firm’s ESOP
- We will cover the cost of your Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and admission fees
- An extra week of paid leave, as part of our Da Vinci employee personal development program
- The opportunity to attend Adventure Club, a subsidised trip where you will travel to an exotic destination, mingle with colleagues from other offices, and undertake fun activities that are designed to stretch you outside of your comfort zone – think bungee jumping, ziplining, jet skiing, snow sports... and much more
- A full day of paid birthday leave each year
- The opportunity to participate in our Graduate Committee and to shape the Graduate experience.

How to Apply?

Ready to apply? Click the ‘Apply’ button and include your headshot, CV, academic transcript, and responses to the application questions below.

Application Questions

1. What makes Hamilton Locke stand out to you? (max. 250 words)
2. At Hamilton Locke our culture and way of operating is guided by our core HALO Values of High Performance, Agility, Leadership and One Team. Which of these values resonates most with you, and why? (max. 250 words)
3. What aspects of law do you believe are outdated and need to be modernised? (max. 250 words)

Applications will close: Friday, 3 October 2025

Offers will be made: Monday, 13 October 2025

Agency submissions

HPX Group does not accept agency submissions for the Graduate program. Please do not forward candidate profiles or resumes to partners, hiring managers or other employees - this will not constitute as an introduction to the firm and HPX Group will not be liable for a fee.

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