2027 Law Clerk - Corporate Advisory - Auckland

About Russell McVeagh

 

Russell McVeagh is New Zealand's premier law firm committed to operating at the cutting edge of legal practice. Our award-winning team of lawyers across Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau, Wellington | Te Whanganui-a-Tara and the South Island | Te Waipounamu are internationally recognised for their thought leadership, depth of experience and ability to translate complex legal issues into client success stories.

Our values of Respect | Manaaki, Curiosity | Māhirahira, Excellence | Whai hiranga and Tenacity | Whakapau kaha reflect who we are and how we work together.

 

About the opportunity

 

We have an exciting opportunity for a law graduate to join our 2027 law clerk programme in our Corporate Advisory team based in Auckland. 

Our Corporate Advisory team is widely recognised as a market leader in New Zealand, advising many of the country's leading businesses on their most important commercial and strategic matters. The team works across a broad range of corporate and commercial issues, from complex transactions and business-critical projects through to governance, regulatory, and general advisory work.

As a law clerk at Russell McVeagh you will:

• Work with some of the leading lawyers in Aotearoa New Zealand, on some of the most significant cases and transactions;
• Be supported as you transition from university to your professional life, including with your professional studies and admission to the Bar; 
• Participate in a comprehensive induction programme, 12 months law clerk development programme and ongoing training;
• Have a wide network of peers and seniors to lean on; and
• Have a meaningful and enjoyable start of your career.

Law clerkship at Russell McVeagh will provide you with fantastic opportunities for growth while you are involved in a variety of interesting work in our supportive, collaborative and social environment.

 

About you

 

We are looking for students who have finished university studies by the end of 2026 and will be available to start in early 2027, and have:

• A strong interest in commercial law;
• A strong interest in Corporate Advisory as a practice area;
• A strong academic record;
• Drive, ambition, and a positive attitude;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; and
• Share our values of Respect, Curiosity, Excellence and Tenacity.

 

Benefits

 

We offer a range of benefits designed to support on supporting our law clerks as they transition from university into practice to succeed and thrive, some of which include:

• Competitive remuneration package;
• Sign-on bonus;
• Relocation allowance if transferring cities;
• Structured learning and development, including coaching, training and ongoing support to help you build confidence and succeed in your career;
• Wellbeing support – An annual allowance to invest in what matters most to you, alongside access to confidential counselling services and a range of wellbeing resources.
• Making life easier – Public transport benefit through our employee platform, plus late-night travel support and meals when you need it.
• Time off, your way – The flexibility to swap public holidays to suit your cultural celebration preferences, and the option to purchase up to five additional days of annual leave.
• Tools to thrive – High-quality, firm-provided technology, including a mobile and plan, so you can stay connected and do your best work.

 

Application

 

Applications close midday Friday 23 October.

To begin your application with us, please upload your CV, academic transcript and written exercise submission. 

 

Written Exercise

 

We have found cover letters to often contain a wide range of information.  Instead, to make it easier for you to know what to include, we just need you to answer 3 questions.  This helps us understand a little more about you in a fair and consistent way. 

1. Tell us what a typical week looks like for you? (This could include your study, work, volunteering, family | whānau, community, sport, culture, anything that you typically spend time doing in a usual week). 
2. What appeals to you about working in commercial law and Russell McVeagh?
3. Russell McVeagh's values are 'Curiosity', 'Excellence', 'Tenacity' and 'Respect'.  Thinking of these values, why do you believe you will make a great addition as a law clerk at Russell McVeagh?

Your answers should not exceed one page total and ideally should be submitted in a PDF format. 

For more information or to discuss this opportunity please get in touch with our Graduate Talent Advisor, Matt Kendall.

 

We believe in enabling a supportive and inclusive workplace for everyone. Click here for further information about Russell McVeagh's diversity and inclusion vision and commitment.

Our firm is invested in achieving transformational change and having a positive impact – our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Report captures our firm's progress on our commitment to helping to shape a sustainable and thriving Aotearoa New Zealand.  You can read our 2026 report, 'Contributing to Aotearoa New Zealand | Te Whai Koha ki Aotearoa' here .