JONES DAY - FIRM SPOTLIGHT

Priyanka Sharma
Jun 8
5 min read

Established: Jones Day was established in Cleveland over 130 years ago and in Australia in 1998.

Size (personnel): 105 Nationally and 2,500 Lawyers Globally.

Office Locations: 40 offices globally, 4 offices Nationally (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth).

Practice Areas: Inbound Investment Regulation Advice; M&A, Capital Markets, and Securities Law; Major Litigation and Arbitration; Intellectual Property; Antitrust and Competition; Regulatory Law, Governance, and Investigations; Energy and Resources; Private Equity; Projects and Infrastructure; Banking and Finance; Restructuring and Insolvency; and Employment and Employee Benefits.

ABOUT JONES DAY

Established more than 130 years ago in Cleveland, Ohio, Jones Day's story initially mirrored the early progress and growth in industrial sectors across the United States. As the economy rapidly grew, the firm advised on high-profile matters in manufacturing, banking, transportation, and mass communications that were often landmark in nature, but always placed the client's interests first.

Opportunities to diversify and expand both across the U.S. and internationally led to a period of sustained growth which crossed into the twenty-first century, ultimately resulting in more than 2,500 lawyers strategically placed in more than 40 offices in business and financial centres on five continents.

As the global economy evolved and client needs changed, so did Jones Day's ability to address those needs. Today, Jones Day clients around the world tap the experience of lawyers on matters ranging from the traditional and established (mergers and acquisitions, antitrust, government regulation, tax) to the more recently prominent (health care, life sciences, cybersecurity, financial technology).

The firm's commitment to cross-practice and cross-office client engagement provides access to leading advice and strategic counsel on complex transactions, high-stakes litigation, capital markets activities, intellectual property rights, and virtually every other type of matter potentially affecting the modern multinational corporation.

An engaged citizen across regions, Jones Day continues its ongoing commitment to pro bono work, social justice, promoting the rule of law, and community service. Firm-wide initiatives focus on Anti-Human Trafficking, Constitutional Policing and Civil Justice Reform, and Hate Crimes Eradication.

A true global law firm that continually strives to exceed our own high standards, Jones Day is consistently endorsed by clients, acknowledged by peers, and commended by professional organisations and industry publications.

RECENT NOTEWORTHY CASES INVOLVING JONES DAY

Peabody Energy: On its US$3.8 billion acquisition of Anglo American’s steelmaking coal business, comprising a majority ownership interest in four operating metallurgical mines in Queensland, Australia as well as several development projects.

Commonwealth Games: In claims against the State of Victoria in relation to the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria.

Westpac Banking Corporation: In its acquisition of HealthPoint, an electronic health claims processing business, from Dedalus Group, a leading healthcare and diagnostic software provider and its contemplated acquisition of ASX listed Tyro Payments.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation: In Federal Court proceedings relating to an alleged multi-million dollar fraud carried out by Mr Bill Papas and various entities within the Forum Group.

Sanofi, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd: In the defence of major (multi-hundreds of millions) claims brought by the Commonwealth of Australia.

Alcoa: In relation to a significant transfer pricing issue related to sales of alumina.

Woolworths Group Limited: To provide debtor-in-possession financing and credit bid to acquire critical software used by its e-commerce business through a U.S. Chapter 11 process.

Armaguard: Representing a major Australian bank in connection with exposure to the cash transportation business.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF JONES DAY AND ITS PEOPLE

BTI Consulting Client Service A-Team Report

Only law firm in the BTI Client Service Report to remain in the top 5 for 23 years consecutive years.

Best Lawyers 2026

32 Jones Day lawyers recognised in the 2026 edition of “The Best Lawyers in Australia” across 34 areas of law

Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025

Ranked: Competition/Antitrust; Construction; Corporate/M&A; Dispute Resolution; Energy & Natural Resources; Intellectual Property; Restructuring/Insolvency; and Tax

Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025

Ranked: Competition and trade; Construction; Corporate and M&A; Dispute resolution; ECM Energy (transactions and regulatory); Intellectual property; Labour and employment; Natural resources (transactions and regulatory); Restructuring and insolvency; and Tax

WHAT SETS JONES DAY APART

Our "One Firm Worldwide" philosophy is not just a slogan—it defines how we operate. With over 2,500 lawyers in 40 offices across five continents, our Australian lawyers regularly collaborate with colleagues in offices around the world. This global integration allows us to offer clients seamless service across jurisdictions and provides our lawyers with exposure to a diverse range of legal systems and cultures.

For Australian lawyers, this means the opportunity to work on high-profile, cross-border matters and the possibility of secondments to our international offices. Whether you're advising on a multinational merger, representing clients in international Disputes, or navigating complex regulatory environments, you'll be part of a team that spans the globe.

At Jones Day, you're not just starting a career—you're joining a global legal community committed to excellence, collaboration, and professional development.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR LAW STUDENTS AND GRADUATES

At Jones Day, we are committed to providing an exceptional foundation for law students and graduates as they begin their legal careers. Our graduate and early-career programs are designed to offer immersive, hands-on experiences while fostering professional growth and deep connections across our national and global network.

Here’s what you can expect as a graduate at Jones Day:

National Graduate Induction: All new graduates from our Australian offices are flown to Sydney for a three-day induction program. This includes professional training and social events, designed to build strong relationships within the graduate cohort from day one.
NLG Development Program: Our New Lawyers Group runs fortnightly development sessions that focus on building practical skills, legal knowledge, and commercial awareness – all critical to your success as a junior lawyer.
Washington Academy: One of the highlights of joining Jones Day is our global Graduate Induction in Washington, D.C. Graduates from all of our international offices come together for training, networking, and the opportunity to connect with colleagues and partners from across the firm.
Continuing Legal Education: New lawyers participate in our national CPD program, ensuring ongoing development and exposure to key legal issues and thought leadership.
Support for PLT: We invest in your future by covering the full cost of your Practical Legal Training (PLT) fees.
National Conference: Each year, we host a national conference bringing together all Australian partners and associates. The two-day event features sessions led by local and international partners, prominent guest speakers, and engaging off-site activities. The conference location rotates across our four Australian offices.
These opportunities reflect our commitment to not only developing your legal skills but also helping you build meaningful connections within our firm and across borders. At Jones Day, you’re not just starting a job – you’re launching a global legal career.

Our Graduate program is non rotational we offer an exciting opportunity to forge your own path in a dynamic and supportive environment. With the flexibility of the program, you can tailor your experience to suit your interests—whether you already have a clear direction or are still exploring what practice you see yourself settling in. From day one, you’ll be working directly with partners and associates on important and engaging work, gaining hands-on experience that contributes to real outcomes.

The program allows you to work across various practice groups, giving you a deeper understanding of the firm's diverse capabilities while helping you build a broader internal network. You’ll also have the chance to participate in all firm activities and events, regardless of the practice group you're in, ensuring you have a well-rounded experience.

Our training program not only provides a broad insight into the firm's operations but also focuses on developing specific skills to support your career growth. You’ll gain exposure across all practice groups and can pursue opportunities in your preferred area of interest. Plus, with our non- rotational program, you’ll have the unique opportunity to see a matter from start to finish, with the flexibility to transition between practice areas for a diverse range of experiences.