2026 Law Clerk

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 | Tamaki 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 | Mahirahira, 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 2026 Law Clerk Programme in our Construction team, based in Auckland.

The team sits within our market-leading Real Estate & Construction practice group which works at the heart of New Zealand's infrastructure landscape. As part of a multi-disciplinary group, they work across practice areas to deliver projects that shape the future of the country - from renewable energy and water reform to transport networks, social infrastructure, and commercial developments.

They advise New Zealand's most critical infrastructure providers, sophisticated developers, and experienced financiers. The work spans the full lifecycle of major projects, from procurement and contract structuring to delivery and dispute resolution. It's high-impact, fast-paced, and deeply rewarding.

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 are in the last year of their law degree (planning to finish university studies by the end of 2025 and be available to start in early 2026) and have:

• A strong interest in commercial law;
• A strong interest in construction and infrastructure;
• 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 wide range of employee benefits focused on supporting our law clerks to succeed and thrive, some of which include:

• Competitive remuneration package;
• Sign-on bonus;
• Relocation allowance if transferring cities;
• Support, coaching, and considered training and development programmes to assist with your transition into the workforce;
• Annual wellness subsidy; and
• Team charity days, sports days, annual ball, and regular team events.

Application

Applications close midnight 26 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 to understand a little more about you in a fair and consistent way. Your answers should not exceed one page in total and ideally should be submitted in a PDF format.

1. Tell us what a typical week looks like for you? This could include your study, work, volunteering, family | whanau, 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?

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 2025 report, 'Contributing to Aotearoa New Zealand | Te Whai Koha ki Aotearoa' here.