Russell McVeagh
Scholar Programme (Rolling Intake)
Auckland, Wellington
Opportunity details
- Internship, Clerkship or Placement
- NZD 2000 / Year
- $2,000 a year to go towards the study costs of your law degree
- 8 vacancies
- Apply by 23 Mar 2025
- Start date Ongoing
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 | Tāmaki Makaurau and Wellington | Te Whanganui-a-Tara 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 | Māhirahira, Excellence | Whai hiranga and Tenacity | Whakapau kaha reflect who we are and how we work together.
About the opportunity
Applications are open for the 2026 Russell McVeagh University scholarships. Through our scholarship programme, we provide financial support, pastoral care, mentorship and a great network of young and experienced professionals to lean on, especially when making big career decisions while at law school.
As a Scholar at Russell McVeagh, you will:
- Receive $2,000 a year to go towards the study costs of your law degree;
- Take part in a three-day work experience programme during your first year as a scholar. This will take place from 3-5 July 2025;
- 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 our 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.
About you
We are looking for students who are in the third year of their law degree and have:
- A strong interest in commercial law;
- A strong academic record;
- Demonstrated leadership or involvement in extracurricular activities, for example, community/cultural/sport/volunteering/work or family| whānau commitments;
- Drive, ambition, and a positive attitude;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; and
- Share our values of Respect | Manaaki, Curiosity | Māhirahira, Excellence | Whai hiranga and Tenacity | Whakapau kaha.
Hiring criteria
- No experience required
- New Zealand Citizen +more
- Law, Legal Studies & Justice +more
- Bachelor or higher
Reviews
Research, drafting, file management.
I'm appreciating everything that I'm learning currently - with the recognition that this is one from a list of many things I'd like to achieve in my career.
Generally, my role involves graduate-level work - researching specific points of law, drafting letters and documents, reading and sorting/collating large amounts of materials.
About the employer
Russell McVeagh
4.3
100 - 500 employees
Law
Leading New Zealand law firm. A dynamic network of legal specialists who are champions for clients’ strategic goals.
Pros and cons of working at Russell McVeagh
Pros
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.
Cons
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.