How Law Firms Choose and Pay Graduates

Top Australian law firms are changing how they recruit graduates, aiming to find well-rounded candidates. While strong GPAs remain important, behavioural assessments and social events now play a bigger role in decision-making. Salaries are also increasing as expectations grow.

Law firms once relied mainly on academic records and interviews to select new lawyers. Today, these traditional methods are supplemented by tools that help evaluate cultural fit and soft skills. Some firms even assess candidates before formal interviews begin, watching how they behave in waiting areas. This approach, sometimes known as the "receptionist test," highlights how applicants treat staff in casual settings.

Graduate salaries are on the rise due to strong demand. One major firm reported a package worth over $118,000 including super. Many firms now offer between $110,000 and $120,000. At mid-sized firms such as Hamilton Locke and HWL Ebsworth, pay for graduates typically ranges from $90,000 to $100,000. HWL’s upcoming 2025 graduate intake has grown by 19% to include 113 positions, showing clear hiring momentum.

Firms also use informal events to observe candidates in real-world settings. These include cocktail nights and milkshake meet-ups, where recruiters look for communication ability, emotional intelligence and inclusive behaviour. One firm even builds ties with promising students through university M&A competitions, helping shape their skills early and building a talent pipeline for roles in transaction law.

All signs point to a growing emphasis on more than just academic excellence. Practical ability, personality and genuine interest in law now matter more than ever. First impressions hold weight, and applicants who combine curiosity, confidence and character may be on the path to a six-figure starting salary.

Source: Australian Financial Review, Law Institute of Victoria: 2025 Clerkship and Graduate Program Guidelines, K&L Gates Australia Graduates

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