Graduate Academy
This is the most important part of your journey with us. It is also a journey in itself. Over the course of our Graduate program, you will develop a huge range of knowledge and skills, gain exposure to different sectors and work environments, and ultimately build up the experience you need to become a qualified lawyer.
The program at a glance
- At Norton Rose Fulbright we offer a 12 month program consisting of 2 x 6 month rotations, commencing in early March
- Our aim is for each graduate to complete one transactional and one litigious rotation
- All graduates will complete College of Law during their first 9 months and continuous training throughout the program
- All graduates will be admitted to practice within their first year with the firm (usually December)
- All graduates are supervised by a partner and paired with a buddy who has recently completed our graduate program
- At the end of the 12 month program, graduates can be permanently placed in a team of preference as a Lawyer. Some graduates will benefit from a third or fourth rotation which we will facilitate.
- Lawyers have the opportunity (from your second year with NRFA) to apply for an international or pro bono secondment
Your induction
We run a national induction for our Graduates. The purpose of your induction is to prepare you for the Graduate Program and make sure you have the skills and knowledge you need to make the most of each rotation. It will cover everything from how to use our library to pro bono work and will include elements of the professional skills course. As part of your induction, you will do a handover with the Graduate you will be taking over from when you start your first rotation.
Your rotations
The aim of doing a 12 month program is to get a broad understanding of our work, clients and global reach. Ideally you will complete rotations in the Dispute Practice Group and Business Law Practice Group.
Your work
This will be an integral part of your Graduate Academy and will involve you visiting local law centres to help and advise members of the public. It’s a great opportunity to take the lead on some interesting cases and gain additional experience of a wide range of legal issues.
Pro bono work
This will be an integral part of your Graduate Academy and will involve you visiting local law centres to help and advise members of the public. It’s a great opportunity to take the lead on some interesting cases and gain additional experience of a wide range of legal issues.
Development and support
Your Graduate Academy will be an ongoing learning experience. From your first rotation to your last, you will benefit from the following:
1. Buddy system
You will be assigned a recent Graduate as an informal “buddy”. They will be there to help you find your feet and to offer advice and support throughout the years.
2. Practice area training
We want you to be able to hit the ground running in all four of your rotations. So our knowledge lawyers and learning & development team will work with you in each new rotation to make sure you have the specific skills and knowledge you need.
3. Your colleagues
We have a very collegiate environment here. Everyone is happy to share their knowledge with Graduates – and partners will always take the time to sit down with you and explain a deal or technical issue.
Looking for tips on how to get the best out of your program? Our people can offer you some essential advice.
