Graduate - Canberra Public Law

We are a modern Australian law firm with a leading reputation. We focus on exceptional service, operational excellence and being at the forefront of employee experience. We work closely with Australian and international businesses, organisations and governments.

About the role

Are you a final-year law student graduating in 2025 and ready to begin your legal career in Canberra?

Our Canberra Graduate Program, commencing in March 2026, offers an exceptional opportunity to develop your career in a city that sits at the intersection of law, public policy, and business.

Our Canberra practice is uniquely positioned to support clients across both the public and private sectors, advising on some of the nation's most significant projects and policy initiatives. With deep experience across the Commonwealth, State, and Territory Governments, and strong relationships with corporate clients, we offer exposure to work of genuine national importance and scale.

You will join a collegiate and high-performing team that values excellence, collaboration, and professional growth. From day one, you will work alongside experienced practitioners who are committed to developing your capability and supporting your transition into practice.

About the program

Our 12-month Graduate Program provides the strongest possible foundation for your legal career. You'll complete three rotations across diverse practice areas which may include corporate and commercial, probity and governance, real estate and construction, privacy and information law, and dispute resolution and litigation, working alongside some of Australia's most respected lawyers.

From day one, you'll be immersed in real, meaningful work that shapes public policy and commercial outcomes. You'll also enjoy structured learning, mentoring, and support as you develop your technical skills and discover where your interests and strengths lie.

Joining our Canberra team means being part of something bigger, contributing to work that matters, in a city where the decisions that shape Australia are made.

We're committed to your growth. That's why we offer:

• Practical legal training through Leo Cussen
• Structured legal training tailored to your development
• On-the-job learning with expert guidance
• Access to the tools, resources, and support you need to succeed

You'll be part of a collegiate and inclusive environment where your ideas are valued, and your contributions make a difference.

About you

We're looking for passionate, driven individuals who are:

• Completing their law degree in 2025
• Team players who thrive in collaborate environments
• Organised and proactive with strong time management skills
• Able to prioritise effectively and take initiative
• Resilient under pressure and eager to learn
• Australian citizens (required for a baseline security clearance)

Why join Maddocks?

At Maddocks we offer a great place to Do What Matters to you. We foster a culture of collaboration, learning and engagement where you will experience:

A diverse and inclusive workplace: We have been named an employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workforce Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) every year since 2004 along with being named a Silver Employer at the Australian Workplace Equality Index's 2024 LGBTQ Inclusion Awards. We promote diversity internally through our Maddocks Gender Equality Network, Maddocks CALD, Maddocks Disability Inclusion and Maddocks Pride groups.

Career Development: Learn and develop through structured learning and development programs at each stage of your career and study support programs.

Community involvement: give back to the communities in which we operate through our thriving pro bono and grants programs and staff volunteering initiatives.

Work flexibly: work in a hybrid way with part of your week in the office and support to set up your home office.

Wellbeing & Benefits: access to up to 20 weeks paid parental leave, discounted gym memberships & health insurance, salary continuance insurance, Employee Assistance Program and parents and carers wellbeing programs.

Our people are our greatest advocates and we believe this is a result of our inclusive culture and focus on complex and interesting work.

To be eligible for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. Please note that unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered at this time.

Ready for your next career move? Make your Move to Maddocks

As part of our commitment to protecting your privacy, your application information will only be retained for a period of 24 months after the submission of your application. After this period, your Maddocks job seeker profile will remain active, however all application details will be permanently deleted from Big Red Sky. Should you wish to delete your job seeker profile, you can do so in your account settings (under the 'Change Login' menu option).