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This page answers some commonly-asked questions regarding the clerkship Program and the recruitment process.
Yes. We accept applications from students in all years of their degree. However, we generally give preference to students who have recently graduated or who are in their final year of study.I am enrolled in a Juris Doctor degree course, can I apply?
Yes. The program is intended for students undertaking their first law degree, whatever it is called.
Yes. We accept applications from international students. However, students who are successful would be required to provide evidence of their VISA and ensure there are no restrictions to being able to work the required hours.
Your statement addressing the requirements should be two pages.
No. We are happy to accept unofficial transcripts.
No. We will not look at letters of recommendation but may ask to contact referees later in the process.
The number of clerks we take for each program will vary. We generally aim to offer 1-4 positions each year.
Yes. Clerk Grade 1/2, Base Salary ( $73,522 - $79,931), pro rata plus employer’s contribution to superannuation. We do not offer any unpaid opportunities Can I count the clerkship towards my PLT?
No. PRL cannot offer practical work experience required for professional admission as a solicitor or barrister, such as is required by students at the College of Law.
The Summer Clerkship Program runs flexibly for 8 weeks over the months of November - February. Within this period, we generally expect each clerk to be available full-time for 8 weeks, or for an equivalent amount of time if undertaking the clerkship part-timePlease advise your availability in your application. We are happy to negotiate a different commencement date and/or part-time arrangements with any successful applicants.
No. PRL does not offer a winter clerkship program. The Law Reform Commission offers a Winter Intern Program. Check the Winter Internship webpage https://lawreform.nsw.gov.au/internship-program.html or the DCJ careers website for more information.
For more information about the Graduate program you can visit the Public Service Commission website.
This will be discussed with you if successful. Currently PRL Branch staff work flexibility from home and in the office. The office is situated at 6 Parramatta Square, 10 Darcy St Parramatta above Parramatta Station.
No. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any financial assistance to cover costs associated with the clerkship.
Absolutely. Although our preference is for you to maximise your clerkship experience and work full-time, we understand that you may have exams, intensive courses, part-time jobs, or internships. We are happy to discuss and accommodate your commitments, where possible.
A Clerkship does not guarantee future employment with PRL or with the Department of Communities and Justice. However, the clerkship does allow you to engage with the organisational culture, establish networks, and build industry specific skills. These benefits will assist you if you decide to apply for any jobs with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice in future.
Clerks will perform legal research and writing tasks related to the policy work of the Department.
After the closing date, all applications will be reviewed and applicants selected for interview. We will be in touch with you, by email, to let you know the outcome of your application.
If you are selected for an interview, there will be one interview for approx. 30 - 45 minutes. Applicants may also be asked to complete a written task.
For international and interstate applications we will make arrangements for a telephone or MS Teams interview.
Summer Clerks will be recruited based on merit selection. To ensure that this process is equitable, interviews are formal, with each interviewee being asked the same set of questions. Interviewees may also be asked to prepare a written response to a hypothetical problem.
If you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to provide a sample of previous written work of no more than 1500 words.
A minimum of two panel members will conduct the interview. 15 minutes before the interview, you will be provided with the interview questions that the panel will ask you. You can use that time to review the questions and make notes, which you can use in the interview.
No problem, send us an email to policy@justice.nsw.gov.au and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.
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