CORNWALLS: FIRM SPOTLIGHT
- May 4
- 5 min read
Established: 1891
Size (personnel): 175 nationally
Office Locations (Australia): Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane
Practice Areas: We offer a full range of commercial law services, with lawyers practising in areas including:
Asia
Banking & Finance
Building & Construction
Capital Markets
Corporate
Employment, Workplace Relations & Safety
Entertainment, Media, Sports & Technology
Fintech, Privacy & Emerging Technologies
Intellectual Property
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Mergers & Acquisitions
Not For Profits & Charities
Planning & Environment
Property & Real Estate
Restructuring, Turnaround & Insolvency
Tax
Technology
Telecommunications
Wills & Estates
ABOUT CORNWALLS
Cornwalls is a multidisciplinary, dynamic and innovative firm, and also one of Australia’s oldest and most respected independent law firms. Clients have entrusted us with their business since 1891. We proudly employed Australia’s first female lawyer, Flos Greig, in 1905. She was a true trailblazer in every sense of the word. After completing her articles of clerkship with Frank Cornwall in Melbourne in 1905, she went on to shape the future for women in law in Australia.
We are commercially astute, innovative and trusted advisors. We represent a broad array of corporations, family offices and ultra and high net worth individuals. Our lawyers are thought leaders in legal issues critical to their areas of expertise.
Our firm believes that legal services are much more than just the law – they are about great people, sustained excellence and exceptional client service. In every sense, we are
defined by our people and practices. Our commitment to innovation and digital transformation is the cornerstone of our success.
At Cornwalls, we celebrate diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing a supportive environment where the unique backgrounds of our people are recognised and celebrated. We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and act to preserve our environment for the benefit of future generations by investing in sustainable business practices that reduce our environmental footprint.
We have a reputation in the legal market as providers of premium legal services. Our multidisciplinary approach sets us apart from our competitors and makes us a firm of
choice.
RECENT MATTERS
Due to confidentiality, we cannot disclose specific client details. However, our firm advises a diverse range of clients, including corporations, government agencies, and individuals, across our various practice areas. We have been involved in complex commercial transactions and high-profile litigation. Our recent work includes advising on significant corporate restructures and representing clients in complex legal disputes. Our commitment to excellence ensures we deliver high-quality legal solutions tailored to our clients’ needs.
RECOGNITION AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Cornwalls has a rich history dating back to 1891. Our firm’s founders, Frank Cornwall and Harry Sugden, demonstrated foresight and progressiveness when they employed Flos Greig, the first woman to graduate with a law degree in Victoria. After completing her articles of clerkship with Frank Cornwall in 1905, Flos became the first woman admitted to practise law in Australia.
Our Cornwalls FLOS Program is run by a national committee, and it honors and celebrates the firm’s long and proud history of supporting women in their quest for gender equality in the legal profession. Flos Greig left an indelible mark on Cornwalls for the generations of lawyers who follow her through the doors of our firm. She lives on in our culture, with the firm continuing her work as a true trailblazer and leading innovator in the legal sector.
Cornwalls is named in Best Law Firms – Australia list for 2026. Our lawyers continue to win and be recognised as finalists across numerous legal awards categories.
In honour of our alumna, Flos Greig, Cornwalls initiated, and in 2025 was named, the inaugural sponsor of the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law ‘Trailblazer of the Year Award’. This annual award will honour women who have demonstrated innovation in the business of law.
WHY CORNWALLS
At Cornwalls, we celebrate the characteristics that make each person different and create a workplace environment where individuals and groups feel welcome, respected and valued.
Our national Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group helps to strengthen, champion, voice, and contribute to the firm's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Team members from each office rotate annually to provide other team members with the opportunity to participate in improving the firm's stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The group is committed to reviewing our policies, processes, and practices annually to ensure we remain an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace.
We actively recruit from a diverse talent pool. We ensure that all hiring, promotion, and pay practices are fair and free from discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.
Talent, culture and innovation are critical pillars of our business strategy. Cornwalls was the first law firm in Australia to partner with Sonder, an online safety and wellbeing support program. We led the way forward to highlight the value that we place on our people’s safety and wellbeing. Sonder’s technology driven platform delivers a careful mix of human and tech support, for all Cornwalls staff, 24/7.
At Cornwalls, we offer flexible working arrangements, with all staff equipped to work both in-office and remotely. However, some roles require on-site presence every day, including trainee roles. We believe in providing our trainees with the best learning experience, and being in the office allows for greater mentorship, hands-on training, and collaboration.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a seasonal clerk, you will gain hands-on experience across various practice areas, working closely with lawyers on real matters. Your tasks may include legal research, drafting documents, attending client meetings, and observing court proceedings. You’ll also participate in training sessions and networking events to develop your skills and build connections.
The primary pathway to securing a graduate position at Cornwalls is through our Seasonal Clerkship Program. Many of our graduates are selected from high-performing clerks who demonstrate strong legal skills, professionalism, and alignment with our firm’s values. Our Graduate Program has been the entry point for many of our current partners. It provides law graduates with real-world experience and an opportunity to grow into a great lawyer, working alongside some of the best lawyers in Melbourne.
The typical process for our Graduate Program includes:
Seasonal Clerkship – Gaining hands-on experience, networking with professionals, and showcasing your capabilities.
Performance Review – Clerks who excel in their work, show initiative, and fit well within the firm culture may be considered for a graduate offer.
Graduate Offer – Successful clerks are invited to join the firm as graduate lawyers, where they receive structured training and mentoring to kickstart their legal careers.
While the clerkship is the most direct route, we also consider outstanding candidates through direct applications based on merit, relevant experience, and a demonstrated interest in our firm.
We look for graduates with:
varied life experiences, including previous work experience (legal and/or non-legal) as well as outside interests
a personable, engaging and driven approach
a strong and consistent academic record, and an involvement in extra-curricular activities
excellent communication skills, including language and interpersonal skills
a creative mind and a passion for technology and innovative
an understanding of the changing legal landscape
