2027 Law Graduate Program | South Australia

Macpherson Kelley; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring programs

Additional leave options

Generous parental leave policies

Job summary

Macpherson Kelley offers a National Graduate Program starting March 2027, a full-time 12-month program based out of our Adelaide office. Graduates rotate through four practice areas, gain hands-on experience, client exposure, and complete Practical Legal Training.

We provide ongoing mentoring and support from peers and supervising Principals to help you grow and succeed. Applications close 24 September 2026.

Qualifications

• Law graduate with strong academic record and genuine interest in commercial law.
• Demonstrates resilience, collaboration and problem-solving mindset.
• Excellent communication and client-exposure readiness.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 12-month National Graduate Program, rotating through four practice areas.
• Gain hands-on experience, client exposure, and practical legal training.
• Undergo Practical Legal Training as part of the program and receive mentoring and support.

Job description

About the Opportunity

Are you a motivated and ambitious law graduate looking to kickstart your career? Macpherson Kelley is offering multiple exciting opportunities to join our National Graduate Program starting in March 2027.

We are passionate about developing commercially minded lawyers who thrive in real-world environments. From day one, you will gain hands-on experience, client exposure, and the chance to make a genuine impact.

One day you might be visiting a client’s premises, the next you could be front and centre at a mediation. The possibilities are endless and we are here to help you grow and succeed!

Some key things to note about the Macpherson Kelley Graduate Program

• This is a full-time 12-month program based out of our Adelaide office.
• You will rotate through four diverse practice areas, gaining exposure to a wide range of legal work, clients, and environments.
• You will complete Practical Legal Training as part of our program.
• Ongoing mentoring and support is provided by your peers and supervising Principals, with regular check ins along the way to support your development.

About You

We are genuinely interested in who you are and what makes you unique! We want to hear about your hobbies, interests, experiences and achievements outside of the law together with the individual strengths that you can bring to Macpherson Kelley. We are looking for graduates who reflect our values and come from a diverse range of backgrounds.

You are someone who

• Demonstrates resilience and embraces new challenges.
• Seizes opportunities - especially those that involve collaboration and teamwork.
• Thinks pragmatically and commercially, with a problem-solving mindset.
• Communicates with confidence, clarity, and empathy.

Your Application

We only require your CV and Academic Transcript. A cover letter is not required. Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents or hold a valid work Visa. In addition, you will be required to answer a set of questions as part of your application.

To upload your academic transcript, please navigate to the Education & Credentials section and select Add certification.

Applications close on Thursday, 24 September 2026 sobe sure to submit yours before the deadline!

Our Firm

Macpherson Kelley is a national Commercial law firm that thinks differently. Our people possess a rare combination of commercial acumen, legal ingenuity, and human insight. That is why we treat each client’s business as if it’s our own, delivering intelligent recommendations they can act on. With offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Dandenong, Melbourne and Sydney, as well as international connections through our Pacific Legal Network, Multilaw and PrivacyRules partners, our lawyers collaborate across practice areas and borders to take care of any legal issues faced by our clients.

Our People Promise

The best thing about Macpherson Kelley is its people. Really good people and talented lawyers, in an inclusive, high performing and positive workplace culture achieve great things. We are flexible and outcome focused in how we work, so you can get on with the job. Together, we believe in better and are ambitious for growth, and we understand that growth comes from leveraging all business and learning opportunities, many of which are delivered through our practical and commercially focused Macpherson Kelley Business School.

• mentoring programs
• additional leave options
• generous parental leave policies

Learn more about building your career with us at www.mk.com.au/careers.