First Nations Pathway Program
We’re committed to bettering outcomes for First Nations peoples
This is your opportunity to learn from and network with the best in the legal industry.
We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our people, our clients and our community. Part of building a more inclusive workplace future for all Australians is ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have opportunities to prosper and grow their careers.
Our First Nations pathway program provides Australian First Nations university law students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and insight into life at Hall & Wilcox.
You will have the opportunity to work with capable and experienced people across all levels and be directly involved in interesting legal work. The work will be of benefit to you, our clients and the firm and there will be a diverse range of learning opportunities, including hands-on practical legal experience and mentoring from experienced lawyers.
First Nations Pathway Program details
Each year we run two internships – commencing in November and June.
This paid program is available from all our national offices and runs for four weeks.
Applications
Applications for our 2025/2026 First Nations Pathway Program are now closed.
Program eligibility
To be eligible for our First Nations Pathway Program you must:
- be of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
- be a permanent resident of Australia
- currently studying a law degree
- be motivated and eager to continually learn and develop
- have a passion and drive for a career in law
No prior work experience is required!
Hands-on learning, support and networking opportunities
First Nations Pathway Program interns are offered excellent opportunities to learn from and network with the best in the legal industry. This informative and fun program allows you to gain hands-on experience. You will be given an extensive support network, including access to a partner, an allocated mentor and buddy for guidance and support.
Interns participate in an induction program covering the firm’s structure, the work we do, our clients, training in IT systems and office procedures.
You’ll gain tangible experience working on real-world legal matters, which will enable you to gain valuable insight into various legal career paths and sectors of interest. Your work may include drafting correspondence and documents, observing lawyers in meetings, attending conferences, mediations and court, as well as undertaking research tasks.
In addition to developing your legal skills, you’ll gain valuable opportunities to build your networks by meeting partners and lawyers. This includes lunchtime training sessions facilitated by partners and senior lawyers who share their personal experiences, discuss their practice areas and provide technical training.
Future career opportunities
The First Nations Pathway Program allows interns to demonstrate their skills and passion for the law.
Joining this program allows you to be eligible to apply for a graduate position upon completion of your studies, which could serve as a launch pad for future success in the legal industry.
"As an Indigenous person, I am keen to find where I fit within the legal sector and Hall & Wilcox has provided me with this invaluable opportunity to have a taste of different areas of law that I might not have known about or thought that I’d enjoy."
Aleisha Bailey, First Nations Pathway Program intern, Newcastle
"As a proud Indigenous man who aspires to become a practising solicitor, I’ve had great opportunities through this program and my clerkship. I’ve been impressed with the scope of work I have been exposed to and the high calibre of the staff I have come into contact with. It's important to me to be able to bring my identity and full self to any workplace and I have felt I can do this at Hall & Wilcox. I'm excited for future opportunities at the firm."
Cormac Mercer, First Nations Pathway Program intern, Melbourne
"I had the opportunity to gain practical legal experience, and valuable insight into the firm's welcoming and inclusive culture. I was consistently encourgaed to engage in meaningful work, ask questions and develop my research and legal writing skills with guidance from experienced and approachable mentors. My time at Hall & Wilcox was more than a professional learning experience; it was a formative period in which I felt both nurtured and valued as a member of the team. This experience has deepened my understanding of various areas of law and strengthened my passion for pursuing a career in the legal profession."
Jordan West, First Nations Pathway Program intern, Melbourne