Summer Clerkships.

Imagine
your future.

NZ Lawyer 5-Star Employer of Choice Award for 2025.

Are you in your penultimate year of university and looking ahead to your future? Our Summer Clerk Programme provides hands-on experience across a wide range of commercial law disciplines. Seize this opportunity to fast-track your career. Applications for 2026 will open in March 2026.

Why Hesketh Henry?

Our Culture & Values

We strive to have centres of legal excellence within a culture that is open, inclusive, dynamic and fair.

We underpin initiative and capability with supportive leadership, close supervision, and teamwork. We encourage you to bring your authentic self to work. Within our specialist teams, respect, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence are highly valued. Our offices reflect this ethos as much as our culture, fostering a collaborative and transparent environment.

Hands on training

Learning & Development

We prioritise career advancement, facilitated by our collaborative environment and accessible partners.

Comprehensive training programmes are prepared annually and are designed to enhance development.

Professional and personal growth is important to us and we offer support with continuous learning and mentorship.

Be Yourself

Diversity & Inclusion

We want you to bring your authentic self to work. Within our team, authenticity, respect, inclusivity, and openness are valued traits. Our open plan offices reflect this ethos, fostering a collaborative and transparent environment.

What our clerks say

A combination of Hesketh Henry's welcoming environment and an exposure to real-life client work made my summer clerkship an invaluable experience
Mary Weatherall
Solicitor
The career development here is on point. You get exposed to a lot, and that's a game-changer to your career.
James Jacobi
Solicitor
Hesketh Henry has a warm and supportive team, providing hands-on experience from day one and real insight into a solicitor's career - far beyond just being a cog in the wheel.
Clara Kwon
Solicitor

What to expect.

Get ready for a unique combination of engaging tasks and invaluable real-world exposure that distinguishes us from the rest.
  • Hands-on work

    Accelerate your learning by immersing yourself in client work from day one.
  • Comprehensive training

    Have your development prioritised by a series of comprehensive training sessions throughout the summer.
  • Gain experience

    Showcase your abilities across two dynamic legal teams, working on real client projects with some of the best in the business.
  • Work together

    Develop your teamwork and legal expertise by working closely with small teams of solicitors and partners
  • Personal support

    Be assigned a buddy who will be with you every step of the way to answer your questions and enhance your learning.
  • Grow your network

    Build connections that could span your career.
Mark your calendar.
  1. March 2026
    Applications open
  2. End of March 2026
    Applications close
  3. April 2026
    Interviews booked
  4. May 2026
    Offers sent out

Meet our people.

If you are invited to an interview, you will meet with two of our partners – all who have been in exactly the same position as you are now!

We know interviews can be nerve-wracking, so to help you feel at ease we will put you in touch with one of our recent graduates. They will be able to answer any questions you may have about Hesketh Henry or the interview process.

Your questions answered.

When do we recruit summer clerks?

Every March. Interviews usually take place in April and offers go out in early May.

What should I include on my CV?

Keep it concise – aim for no more than two pages.  Highlight your work experience, volunteer activities, involvement in sports or hobbies, proficiency in languages, and any other notable skills you possess.  Use this opportunity to showcase why you are destined to become a standout commercial lawyer of the future.  Remember to check for errors!

Do you have any tips for interviews?

Absolutely!  Prior to the interview, thoroughly research our firm and the individuals you will be meeting.  Know why you want to spend the summer with us.  Punctuality is paramount – it is preferable to arrive early rather than late – so know where you are going ahead of the interview day.  Prepare examples – this is your opportunity to showcase your abilities beyond what is on your CV.  We want to get to know you during the interview.  Delve into challenges you have faced, demonstrate your initiative, and highlight your strong work ethic or resilience.  Ask questions – demonstrate your motivation to join us for the summer by asking insightful questions.  Use these questions to help you decide where you fit best.

What should i expect during the programme?

Prepare for an immersive summer packed with activity.  Be ready to roll up your sleeves and dive headfirst into challenging projects and your own personal development.

Does it matter if I haven't worked in a law firm before?

Not at all!  Prior legal experience is not required – we are here to support you as you embark on your journey.

Do you hire summer clerks not in their penultimate year?

No.  Our focus is on building a cohesive graduate group for the following year, so penultimate year students are our primary consideration.  But please keep us in mind for next year!

If I complete a summer clerkship, am I guaranteed a graduate role?

We only hire the number of summer clerks for which we have graduate roles available.  However, an offer of a graduate role is dependent on how well you embrace the opportunities available over the summer.

Will i get paid over the holiday close down period?

You will be paid during the holiday close down period – it is our way of ensuring you are properly supported.