CLAYTON UTZ: FIRM SPOTLIGHT
- Aug 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 3
Established: 1883
Size (personnel): 1000+
Office Locations: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Canberra.
Practice Areas:
Commercial Litigation; Real Estate; IP & Technology; Public Sector; Restructuring & Insolvency; Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety; Banking & Financial Services; Corporate, M&A, Private Equity and Capital Markets; Environment and Sustainable Development ; Major Projects & Construction.
ABOUT CLAYTON UTZ
Proudly Australian. Globally connected. As one of Australia's leading law firms, Clayton Utz gives confident, innovative and incisive legal advice.
If you're considering joining our team, we want to give you a glimpse of who we are. The basics facts are simple: we are one of Australia's oldest and largest law firms, operating across six cities, nearly 200 partners, and offering a comprehensive range of legal services catering to both large private sector companies and government entities.
We deliver advice created by lawyers with different experiences and different views, but united by an entrepreneurial spirit, a can-do attitude, confidence in each other, and pride in helping our clients achieve.
Advice that isn't just a one-size-fits-all solution taken off a shelf, but reflects who our clients are, and what they need.
RECENT MATTERS
Clayton Utz advised Blackstone on its $400 million acquisition of Hamilton Island, one of Australia's iconic luxury resort destinations.
Clayton Utz advised National Storage on its $4 billion acquisition by the Brookfield and CIG consortium, marking a major consolidation in the self-storage sector.
Clayton Utz advised AirTrunk on its $24 billion acquisition by Blackstone and CPP Investments, Australia's largest deal in 2024 and the largest global data centre transaction.
Clayton Utz advised Commonwealth Bank of Australia on its $168 million financing for a build-to-rent project, supporting growth in Australia's emerging rental housing market.
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Best Lawyers Australia
Over 200 individuals named as some of Australia's Best Lawyers for 2027
164 Individuals named as some of Australia's Best Lawyers for 2026.
Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards
30 under 30: Winner: Alessandro Sobral on winning the Competition, Trade and Regulation category and Finalists: Cloe Jolly, Jennifer Williams and Mahmoud Joumaa.
Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality
Clayton Utz has once again been named an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), marking the eleventh consecutive time the firm has received this recognition.
Pride in Diversity's 2025 Australian LGBTIQ Inclusion Awards
We have been recognised as a Platinum Tier Employer for the third year running.
REPRESENTING OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The culture at Clayton Utz is defined by collaboration, authenticity, and commitment to excellence. We foster an inclusive environment where people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, and diverse perspectives are valued. Our teams work together to deliver innovative and practical solutions for our clients, while also supporting each other to grow and succeed.
We are proud of our strong sense of community, which extends beyond the workplace. Through our Pro Bono practice, Community Connect program, and sustainability initiatives, we are committed to making a positive impact on the world around us.
Wellbeing is a priority at Clayton Utz, and we were the first Australian law firm to appoint a National Mental Health Manager to support our people. Whether through professional development opportunities, social events, or wellbeing initiatives, we strive to create a workplace where everyone can thrive.
WHY CLAYTON UTZ
Clayton Utz is distinguished by its commitment to excellence, innovation, and making a positive impact. We provide legal services to governments, ASX-listed companies across diverse sectors, and some of the world's most recognisable global and local brands, offering practical and commercially focused solutions to complex legal challenges.
Our Pro Bono practice was first established in 1997 as the first of its kind among Australian law firms, it reflects our dedication to social responsibility. In 2018, we became one of only three law firms globally to have two dedicated Pro Bono partners, highlighting our leadership in this space.
We are also proud to lead the way in fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace. Our diversity and inclusion programs are embraced across the firm, and we were the first Australian law firm to create the role of National Mental Health Manager, demonstrating our commitment to the wellbeing of our people.
These initiatives, combined with our focus on authenticity, integrity, and collaboration, distinguish Clayton Utz as a firm that not only delivers exceptional legal services but also strives to make a meaningful difference in the legal profession and the broader community.
STUDENT AND GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES
Our clerkship program is your first step towards a rewarding career in commercial law. Designed for penultimate-year law students, it's your chance to experience life at one of Australia's leading law firms and discover why Clayton Utz is the ideal place to start your legal journey.
As a clerk, you'll gain hands-on experience in a full-service commercial law firm that values authenticity, collaboration, and excellence. You'll work alongside talented professionals on real matters, contributing to high-profile transactions and cases that make a difference.
The clerkship program at Clayton Utz consists of a four-week program over summer or winter and students will rotate through two different practice groups that are aligned with their interests.
At Clayton Utz, we seek well-rounded individuals who demonstrate a genuine interest in commercial law and a commitment to excellence. When assessing applications for our seasonal clerkship program, we look for candidates with strong academic performance, critical thinking skills, and the ability to work collaboratively. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, as different perspectives enrich our firm and the solutions we provide.
To stand out, showcase your unique qualities and experiences. Highlight extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or community initiatives that demonstrate your ability to balance priorities and contribute to a team. A tailored, error-free application that clearly explains your motivations for joining Clayton Utz and your understanding of our values and practice areas will make a strong impression.
In interviews, preparation and authenticity are key. Research the firm, including our practice areas and recent matters, and be ready to discuss how these align with your goals. Be yourself and use specific examples to illustrate your skills and experiences. Showing curiosity, enthusiasm, and a genuine interest in being part of our team will help you stand out.
All clerks are considered for a graduate position and must submit an application following the clerkship, in addition to uploading their most recent transcript. At Clayton Utz, our Graduate Program is designed to help you transition from law student to confident legal professional. Through hands-on experience, tailored development opportunities, and structured support, you'll gain the skills and expertise needed to thrive in your legal career.
As a graduate, you'll complete three six-month rotations across our diverse practice areas, giving you exposure to different areas of commercial law and the chance to work on complex, high-profile matters that shape industries and communities. You'll engage in meaningful work, including research, drafting client memos, attending court and client meetings, and contributing to pro bono initiatives.
Your journey begins with Practical Legal Training (PLT), a national orientation program in Sydney, and local training to equip you with practical tools and insights. You'll benefit from structured mentorship, including guidance from Partners, senior lawyers, a dedicated coach, and a buddy. Professional development is a key focus, with in-person workshops, simulations, and continuing legal education programs to help you build your expertise.
We also offer opportunities to work with cutting-edge legal technology, such as Harvey and Lexist Al, and to make a difference through our Pro Bono and Community Connect programs. Social and sporting activities round out the experience, helping you connect with colleagues and embrace the culture of Clayton Utz.
