CU Up Close is a unique opportunity for law students in their pre-penultimate year of study to get
Up Close and personal with one of Australia's leading law firms, Clayton Utz.
Our in-person program will expose you to life as a lawyer in a top-tier commercial law firm. You will be offered the opportunity to develop the practical skills and knowledge to help you succeed in your studies and early career.
Throughout CU Up Close, you will hear from our senior leaders, meet our recent graduates, and discover the many ways you can shape your future legal career and stay true to your direction with Clayton Utz.
Staying true to your direction is what defines us. We've built a culture that sets us apart from other law firms - but we know a good lawyer needs evidence. So, apply for CU Up Close and find out for yourself.
What will I gain from this program?
- Valuable insight into working at a leading commercial law firm
- Knowledge of the various career opportunities available to you at Clayton Utz
- Practical skills through applying your theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios
Applications open: 13 March 2023
Applications close: 2 April 2023
Offers made: end April 2023
Program commences: Week commencing 1 May 2023
Program dates:
Session 1: week commencing 1 May 2023
Session 2: week commencing 8 May 2023
Session 3: week commencing 15 May 2023
Each session will be roughly 2 hours in duration and hosted in the late afternoon (exact dates and timings to be confirmed with successful applicants end April).
How can I apply?
To apply for CU Up Close, you will fill out a short application form and highlight your work experience and education. Please refer to our application dates. Relevant location links and apply now information will be updated below.
Jack Lofgren, CU Up Close participant (Brisbane – 2021)
"Over the past few months I have been grateful to participate in a three part Masterclass Series run by Clayton Utz. This opportunity allowed me to refine my skills in legal research, develop an understanding of commercial law and clients at Clayton Utz, and to network with those in the Graduate Program.
Speaking to the graduates was a highlight of the series as it provided an opportunity for me to learn about their path to Clayton Utz, what their day at work looks like and I received some much needed answers to the many questions on my mind.
I would like to thank Alicia Pasquini and everyone else who helped make this program possible. I would highly recommend this opportunity to any law students with an interest in commercial law."
FAQ's
Is this program for me?
I am a pre-penultimate year student (expected Graduation in 2025 or beyond) – Yes
I am a penultimate year student (expected Graduation in 2024) – Unfortunately you are not eligible for CU Up Close – however we strongly encourage you to apply for one of our clerkship programs. See our clerkship page for more information.
I am a final year student (expected Graduation in 2023) – Unfortunately you are not eligible for CU Up Close – however we consider final year students on a case by case basis for our clerkship programs. See our clerkship page for more information.
If I am unsuccessful, should I still apply for a clerkship the following year?
Absolutely – Unfortunately CU Up Close has a limited number of spots available and is a competitive process. If you were unsuccessful in applying for CU Up Close, we strongly encourage you apply for one of our seasonal clerkship programs.
What will I need to do as part of the application process?
Our online application consists of basic information about your education and work experience. You will have the option to upload your résumé to assist with making the application process quicker (and strongly recommend you do so). The system will transfer general information from your résumé into the relevant screens, and you only have to check it has transferred accurately and fill in any blanks. In addition to the basic information, you will need to upload your most recent academic results. We do not require a cover letter, however, we do ask a series of short questions in lieu of the cover letter.