First Nations Legal Cadetships (Feb 2026)

About us
Gilbert + Tobin is a top-tier corporate law firm recognised in Chambers Global and Asia Pacific Legal 500 as an expert in its practice areas. We are at the forefront of legal innovation, have successful and expanding practices in all our specialist areas, and we enjoy a reputation for providing our clients with the highest quality service and expert legal advice. We have over 750 professionals working in our Sydney, Melbourne and Perth offices.

About the program
Our cadetship is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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 the semester, alongside full-time or part-time study. Depending on workflow at the time, additional days may be offered during semester breaks. Our main cadetship intake commences each February, however, there may be opportunities to join at other stages throughout the year (such as in Semester 2/Trimester 3, for example).

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 (2nd year onwards) or JD (part-time or full-time, any stage).
• Studying at an Australian university and able to attend work each week at one of our office locations.

Your application

We accept expressions of interest for First Nations Cadetship opportunities throughout the year.

To be considered, please submit your cover letter, CV and academic transcripts. A screenshot 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.
• Your motivation for studying law.
• Why you are interested in a cadetship? What do you hope to get out of it?
• Why are you interested in Gilbert + Tobin?
• Your expected degree completion date and your availability for work,

More information:

Kimberley Peckham, First Nations Strategies Lead, 02 9263 4111, kpeckham@gtlaw.com.au.

To view more information about the program on our website, please visit our page on indigenous employment.

G+T is proud to offer all of its employees a range of excellent benefits which you can view on our careers website. In addition, 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.

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.