2027 Law Graduate Program - Melbourne

About Dentons

Dentons is the world’s largest law firm. We’re 20,000+ people globally across 80+ countries including USA; Europe; India and Asia. We are a global polycentric firm which is expanding rapidly in an increasingly globalised legal industry.

Dentons now consistently ranks as one of the five best regarded legal brands in the world according to the Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index.

When you thrive, so do we.

The Dentons Graduate Development Program is built for law graduates who want to develop quickly, work on meaningful matters and build a career that grows with them.

As the world’s largest global law firm, Dentons offers graduates the opportunity to work locally while being connected to a truly international firm. You’ll be supported to build strong legal foundations, commercial judgement and the confidence to navigate change in the legal profession.

About the program

Our graduate program provides:

• Two six‑month rotations across practice groups (with the option for a third rotation in some offices)
• Permanent placement in a practice group following your first year
• A structured learning and development program that builds both technical and professional capability
• Opportunities to collaborate with our national graduate cohort and work across offices
• Early exposure to pro bono and community work

You’ll work closely with partners and teams on real matters, developing practical skills from day one.

Practice areas

Graduate rotations are allocated based on business needs and individual interests where possible. Practice areas vary by office and may include Banking and Finance, Construction, Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment and Safety, Intellectual Property and Technology, Real Estate, and Recovery and Restructuring.

Who this program is for

We’re looking for graduates who:

• Will complete their law degree by the end of 2026
• Are available to commence full‑time employment in early 2027
• Bring strong academic performance, curiosity and motivation
• Communicate clearly and work well in teams
• Are interested in building a long‑term legal career at Dentons and commercial law

Previous legal work experience is valued but not essential.

Why Dentons

Build your legal career at the world’s largest law firm to receive early exposure to complex, cross‑border work while building strong foundations locally.

One global firm. Built to help you grow. Redefining possibilities. Together, everywhere.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online and include:

• CV
• Academic transcript

2026 - Key recruitment dates 

• Applications open: 10:00am, 7 August 
• Applications close: 11:59pm, 23 August 
• Offers made: 10:00am, Wednesday 30 September 

Incomplete applications or applications submitted via email will not be considered. Office‑specific recruitment dates apply and are outlined on our careers pages.

Why Dentons

Dentons Australia offers a wide range of incentives aimed at embracing your authenticity, providing purpose, and strengthening your ongoing development.

We offer:

• Equitable salary packaging, incentive pay and rewards
• Salary continuous insurance (for permanent employees or employees on a 6 month or more maximum term contract basis)
• Salary sacrificing and novated leases
• 5 days Bonus Leave per year after 12 months of service
• Additional leave options
• Equal family leave for all genders (including kinship groups)
• Floating public holidays for days of cultural significance
• Exclusive retailer discounts
• Offices designed for collaboration on Gadigal, Naarm, Yuggera, Kaurna and Whadjuk land
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Generous health and wellbeing programs
• Agile and flexible working for all
• Social and diversity networks providing year-round events
• Opportunities to undertake pro-bono legal work

Diversity, Equality & Inclusion

Embedded in our people is a passion to help others through the delivery of justice. It is through this that our commitment to inclusion, equity, and reconciliation has evolved. We are proud to say that by design, we have no single headquarters or dominant national culture, this means the unique perspectives, experiences, and identities of our people come together globally under one purpose to create an inclusive and accessible environment where anyone can thrive.

Please apply online with your CV, Cover Letter, and academic transcripts. If you have questions beforehand, please email our recruitment team at recruitment.au@dentons.com. Enquiries only please, applications will not be accepted by email.

Agency Submissions

Dentons does not accept agency submissions unless the agency is specifically contacted by a member of the Recruitment Team. Please do not forward candidate profiles or resumes to partners, hiring managers or other employees - this will not constitute an introduction to the firm and Dentons will not be liable for a fee.