VGSO Seasonal Clerkship

Kickstart your legal career with a 3-week Seasonal Clerkship at the VGSO - offered in summer or winter to fit around your studies.

Work alongside our talented and motivated legal practitioners.
Gain practical experience on high profile matters impacting the Victorian Public Sector.
Explore VGSO's collegiate culture.
Learn about the professional responsibilities of a government lawyer.
Develop your understanding of legal practice in government.

Applications for the 2027 VGSO Seasonal Clerkship will open here at 9am on Monday 6 July 2026.

Overview, process and tips

You will work closely with a mentor and have the opportunity to attend court and client meetings, develop your practical research skills, assist in drafting complex advice, and grow your professional legal skills through in-house workshops.
A current graduate will be assigned as your buddy to assist in navigating your 3-week Clerkship at the VGSO.
During your Clerkship you will be placed in one of our 6 legal branches:
- Commercial, Property and Technology
- Inquiries, Prosecutions and Administrative Law
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Police Advisory
- Public Law and Planning
- Workplace Relations and Occupational Safety
Being development focused, you will receive regular feedback to assist you in the expansion of your skills, confidence and capabilities.
At the VGSO, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, and we encourage you to share your unique story with us.
We want to understand the experiences that have shaped your values and who you are beyond your resume. Whether it’s a personal highlight or a challenge you’ve overcome, your life experiences matter.
This can be demonstrated in your resume, short answer question responses and throughout our recruitment process.
Ideally, you will:
be curious about the impact of legal practice in government
want to develop your legal skills and professional network at VGSO
demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills
enjoy collaborating with others and taking initiative
bring a broad range of interests and activities outside your studies.
Key eligibility criteria
To be eligible for our program, you must be:
due to complete your Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor in 2026, with sound academic results
an Australian citizen, a Permanent Resident of Australia or a New Zealand citizen
available to commit to 3 weeks full-time employment in either February or July 2026.
1. Complete your application
- Complete the application form and our short answer questions
- Attach your resume and academic transcript
2. Shortlisted Candidates
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by late August 2025 and invited to attend an in-person event and an online individual interview in September 2025.
Event - Getting to know the VGSO
Discover the VGSO, meet our people, and explore our supportive culture. Gain insights into the Seasonal Clerkship, hear from our inspiring legal professionals, and leave feeling more confident and prepared for your interview.
Individual interview
Your interview is an opportunity for us to assess your suitability for the Seasonal Clerkship by exploring your interests, aspirations, experiences, and strengths.

Key dates

Applications open
9am, Monday 6 July 2026
Applications close
11.59pm, Sunday 9 August 2026
Event - Getting to know the VGSO
Early September 2026
Interviews
7 to 24 September 2026
Offers made
10am, Thursday 15 October 2026
Seasonal Clerkship
Summer, Friday 29 January to Friday 19 February 2027
Winter, Friday 2 to Friday 23 July 2027

More information

For more information on the LIV Guidelines, along with tips on how to manage the clerkship process, please visit the LIV website(opens in a new window). All dates in relation to the recruitment of market offers for our Seasonal Clerkship are subject to the LIV guidelines.

If you are interested in other career pathways to join the VGSO, please visit the Careers.Vic website(opens in a new window) as we regularly advertise legal support roles across many of our legal branches.

Updated 29 January 2026

VGSO Seasonal Clerkship

Overview, process and tips

Key dates

Applications open

Applications close

Event - Getting to know the VGSO

Interviews

Offers made

Seasonal Clerkship

More information