Russell McVeagh Graduate Programs & Internships

Law

Russell McVeagh is a leading New Zealand law firm, known as the go-to team for tackling complex legal problems. As a full-service commercial firm, they employ over 320 people across our Auckland and Wellington offices, and offer their clients a collaborative, seamless approach. Supporting a wide range of clients, they draw on our expertise across the full spectrum of corporate advisory, banking and finance, litigation and dispute resolution, real estate and construction, tax, public law and environmental law.

Whether you are a major corporate, regulator, investor, public sector, or non-profit organisation, they listen and take the time to develop a deep understanding of their clients' ambitions. They adapt to their client's preferred ways of working and always seek to find solutions that align with their culture and values, and strategic goals. Above all, they aim to provide pragmatic and clear advice.

Recruitment Process

There are four stages to their recruitment process:

Step 1: Application
Apply online for the programme you are interested in.

Step 2: Assessment
If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to take part in their assessment process. This involves a short online video interview for us to get to know you better and online testing to assess your likely strengths, potential areas for development and working style.

Step 3: Interview
If you have completed the assessment successfully, you will be invited to an interview. This is an opportunity for them to get to know each other. You will be interviewed by two of their partners and a member of the HR team.

Step 4: Outcome
They will contact you to talk you through the outcome of your application. If you are being offered a role with Russell McVeagh you will receive a call from them followed by your official offer letter.

They are looking for enthusiastic, well-rounded students who have a strong interest in commercial law, have been successful academically and have applied themselves outside of studies where possible – working while studying, community roles, sports, leadership, etc.

Remuneration & Career Growth

Scholarship Programme

Receive $2,000 a year to go towards the study costs of your law degree;
Have a mentor and a buddy to provide you with support, guidance and practical help during your time at law school;
Have the opportunity to summer clerk in their Auckland or Wellington office in your penultimate year of study;
Be connected with other Russell McVeagh scholars at law schools across the country; and
Be invited to various Russell McVeagh functions, including catch up events throughout the year.

Summer Clerk Programme

Market leading salary
Sign-on bonus to cover clothing and other expenses that help you settle into the summer
Relocation allowance if transferring cities
Three weeks paid holiday over Christmas
Exposure to real work
Training and development programme
You are assigned a buddy, senior support and receive support from your supervising partner
An opportunity to do volunteer and pro bono work

Law Clerk Programme

Support for Profs, including being paid your full salary while you complete the course
Sign-on bonus
Wellness Benefit each year
Relocation costs, if transferring cities
Discounted health insurance
A day of leave for your admissions
A day of leave for your graduation
Take part in our 12-Month Development Programme

Graduate Reviews

Overall Score

4.3

Overall score based on 8 reviews

They Score Best in…

8.9

Career Prospects

8.7

Culture

9.0

Office Work Environment

9.0

Training

What Graduates Say About Them

Everyone is so warm and welcoming, got straight into work, treated with respect, the graduate cohort is fun, lots of trainings, HR is very supportive.
The calibre of clients and the opportunities. I have been thrown in the deep end (but in the best possible way), and within weeks I was directly in touch with clients - I gained independence very quickly. I also love the culture here, the team environment is so welcoming and fun, but balanced with really hard work.
The calibre of clients and the opportunities. I have been thrown in the deep end (but in the best possible way), and within weeks I was directly in touch with clients - I gained independence very quickly. I also love the culture here, the team environment is so welcoming and fun, but balanced with really hard work.
Leadership have taken significant steps towards making flexibility a part of our work culture, and there's a big focus on making sure people feel happy and supported while at work.

Don't think there is a worst thing
Working at a top law firm can occasionally mean long hours that can be mentally and physically tiring, but this comes in waves and support is always offered when this is required.
While I haven't experienced this myself, I presume there will be long hours involved when I have more experience.
The lack of oversight over workload and scheduling. Difficult to know when will be busy.

All reviews

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities

Auckland

Hiring candidates with qualifications in

L

Law, Legal Studies & Justice

Current Jobs & Opportunities

Internship, Clerkship or Placement

Auckland & Wellington

A scholar programme at Russell McVeagh will give you valuable insight into what professional life might hold for you and how you could utilise your education to facilitate action in the real world.

Salary

NZD 2,000 / Year

$2,000 a year to go towards the study costs of your law degree

Pre-register

Internship, Clerkship or Placement

Auckland & Wellington

A summer clerkship at Russell McVeagh will give you valuable insight into what professional life might hold for you and how you could utilise your education to facilitate action in the real world.

Salary

NZD 50,000 - 60,000 / Year

Sign-on bonus to cover clothing and other expenses that help you settle into summer

Pre-register