Where your legal career begins
Buddle Findlay's summer clerkship programme gives you a genuine introduction to life as a commercial lawyer. From the start, you will work on real client matters alongside partner-led teams, supported by a dedicated supervisor (a partner or senior lawyer) and a peer buddy. You will rotate through different practice areas and take part in our summer clerk training academy to support the transition from university into legal practice.
Our summer clerk programme
Follow us on Instagram to get a genuine feel for life at Buddle Findlay. Each week our Buddle Wrap gives an inside view of what is happening around our offices, featuring our people, our community, celebrations and achievements. You will also be the first to hear when applications open and campus events are announced.
How to apply
Buddle Findlay uses a short values-and-thinking quiz as part of its application process. We are looking for curious, motivated students who are ready to learn. The quiz gives our recruitment team a deeper understanding of how you think and approach problems, not just your academic record. Buddle Findlay's view is that grades alone do not define a candidate's potential. Every application is reviewed by our recruitment team and the quiz is considered alongside your formal application.
Applications for the 2027 summer clerkship programme open in early March 2027. In the meantime, download our students and graduates guide to find out more about life at Buddle Findlay and what to expect from the programme.
From summer clerk to solicitor
Start as a summer clerk
From day one, you are a working member of the team. You join alongside a national cohort of summer clerks across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Induction
We set you up before the work begins. You meet the firm and the people you will be working alongside and have everything you need to contribute from your first week.
First half of rotations
You work on active matters in your first practice area, drafting, researching and attending client meetings alongside a dedicated supervisor and peer buddy. Auckland clerks also rotate through a second team before the summer break.
Summer break
A paid break over Christmas, with your place in the firm secure for your return.
Second half of rotations
You return to a different practice area, bringing your first rotation experience with you. Auckland clerks complete a third rotation before heading back to university.
Back to university
You head back to complete your final year knowing a permanent role is waiting. We stay in touch throughout.
Stay connected
Your connection to the firm does not pause while you study. Casual employment, development events and social invitations keep you part of the Buddle Findlay community.
You graduate
You have completed your law degree. The journey from student to solicitor is almost complete.
Begin as a law clerk
You join us full time, working in your team on real matters alongside people who have been with you since your clerkship.
Professional studies
We support you through your professional legal studies, with dedicated study leave and the guidance of your team throughout.
Admitted as a solicitor
You are admitted to the bar. You have made it from summer clerk to solicitor at Buddle Findlay.
Summer clerk experiences
Ciara O'Neill
“My summer clerk experience at Buddle Findlay was rewarding, supportive and genuinely developmental. Through three rotations I engaged with different practice areas and worked on a wide range of matters, from research and drafting attending client meetings, which broadened my understanding of how the law operates in practice. I felt the firm invested in us and wanted us to succeed, with guidance and feedback at every step so I never felt alone. Beyond the legal work, the programme offered plenty of opportunities to build meaningful relationships across the firm at all levels through social events, networking and team catch-ups. What stands out most is the culture of collegiality and approachability from junior lawyers through to the partners, which encouraged me to ask questions, take on challenges and grow. The combination of varied work, structured rotations and real support made the summer both an enjoyable and invaluable experience.”
Georgiana House
“My summer clerkship at Buddle Findlay Christchurch was the perfect introduction to life in a commercial law firm. From day one, I felt genuinely welcomed and included as part of the team, which set the tone for a summer that was both professionally rewarding and personally memorable. Rotating through litigation and business services gave me exposure to a wide range of practice areas, from civil litigation and resource management to corporate and private client work. We were quickly entrusted with meaningful, interesting tasks, far removed from the stereotypical pen-pushing and coffee runs. The responsibility and variety made each week engaging and gave me real insight into life as a commercial lawyer.
What truly stood out, though, was the people. The team were generous with their time, whether patiently walking me through legal issues or simply stopping for a chat about my weekend. Beyond the legal work, the summer was filled with social and firm-wide activities, from team coffees to Friday night drinks, with a genuine emphasis on connection and collaboration across the firm. Buddle Findlay truly offers the best of both worlds: a high-performance environment with challenging work, alongside a culture that is supportive, down-to-earth, and genuinely invested in its people.”
Our national people and culture team
Lucy Ryan
Director, People and Culture
Fiona Tribe
National Manager, People and Culture
Margot Elworthy
Manager, People and Culture
Olivia Gibbons
Manager, People and Culture
Emma Grace
Adviser, People and Culture
Cerys Armstrong
Coordinator, People and Culture
Jill McLisky
Talent Attraction Specialist
Stella Thompson
Coordinator, People and Culture
Jasmine Lau
Coordinator, People and Culture
A place to grow
A career at Buddle Findlay comes with genuine recognition of your contribution. Summer clerks receive a competitive salary alongside a range of provisions designed to set you up well from the outset and support you through the milestones ahead.
• A $1,000 sign-on bonus to set you up for the role
• Paid Christmas leave
• Graduation and admission leave when the time comes
• Support through your professional legal studies, with paid time off and tuition fees covered.
A place to connect
Collaboration is genuine at Buddle Findlay. Summer clerks are included in firm-wide events, community initiatives and social activities alongside lawyers and business services professionals from their first day. Partners are accessible, teams are collegial and individual contribution is visible and recognised.
• Social events across sport, wellness and celebrations
• Firm-wide events and community initiatives open to all
• Pro bono and community engagement encouraged throughout the programme.
A place to be yourself
At Buddle Findlay, inclusion is part of how we work. Community engagement is encouraged from the outset, and clerks have access to a range of wellbeing and leave provisions from the start of their programme.