Summer Clerkship

We know that engaging a diverse group of people from different backgrounds is key to our success. We strive to create and maintain an inclusive work environment in all of our global offices.

Working with us

A summer clerkship with Bird & Bird is much more than just work experience. It's an opportunity to discover your potential and kick start your career in law, taking you straight to the heart of a global law firm. With access to senior people across the firm, including partners and management, you will live and breathe the brand, experiencing our business from the inside.

You will also see first-hand the impact of excellent client relationships, working seamlessly across Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United Kingdom, the Middle East and North America. Immerse yourself in the friendly and vibrant culture that makes Bird & Bird, and our people, unique.

You will get exposure to our practice and sector groups by attending meetings and events during your time with us. You will be involved in real legal work which adds value to our clients and which will create an invaluable experience for you.

Every summer clerk, graduate or lawyer we select has the potential to be both a leader of our global firm and a recognised leader in their chosen field of law. Our Australian clerkship is the main pathway into our graduate and associate programme.

…And to sweeten the deal, all our summer clerks enjoy a paid break over the Christmas and New Year period!

What we're looking for

Excellent academic achievement and common sense are of course prerequisites, but we especially look for well-rounded individuals who will fit in well with our friendly and inclusive one firm culture.

Our ideal applicants are sociable, articulate team players who are genuinely interested in building their careers. We want to recruit team members who will enjoy working with the firm and want to embrace the practice groups and sectors for which we are renowned. If you have a natural curiosity, a passion for learning new skills and are driven with a strong sense of ownership and client service, we are pretty confident you will fit right in.

Bird & Bird Application process

You can apply at the times listed below by sending a detailed cover letter, curriculum vitae and academic transcript to sydsummerclerks@twobirds.com.

The Summer Clerk Committee (consisting of Partners, Seniors and the HR team) will personally read every application that is submitted, often several times over, without the use of any automatic culling methods. While this process takes slightly longer, it ensures we provide every applicant with an equal chance of success.

Some matters to address in your cover letter

1. What attracted you to Bird & Bird?
2. What skills do you have that will help you become a successful lawyer at Bird & Bird?
3. Why do you want to pursue a career in law?
4. Describe a situation where you have demonstrated innovative thinking when faced with opportunities and challenges?
5. What are your hidden talents and/or passions? E.g. Music, Art, Juggling 

Once all applications have been reviewed, candidates will be informed by email of the outcome of their application. The successful applicants will be invited for an interview and will receive a detailed biography of their 2 interviewers. The interviewers are typically a mixture of Partners, HR, and Special Counsel. Following your interview, you will be invited for coffee by one of our junior lawyers, graduates or paralegals who will have typically gone through the clerkship process themselves. This will be a great opportunity for you to ask those questions you may have missed during your formal interview, and to learn more of our firm culture.

You will receive an email regarding the progress of your application once the interview round is complete. Typically, interviewees will be invited to our Summer Clerk Breakfast. Be sure to put this date in your calendar. This is the perfect opportunity for you to meet and chat with Partners and Associates of all levels, and decide whether Bird & Bird is the right firm for you.