The Allens First Nations Legal Internship Program started with just one intern in 2006.
Over the past 16 years we have seen 147 law students complete the program, with many going on to secure permanent roles at Allens, other firms, client organisations and elsewhere in the profession. Program alumni have spoken of the value of the program and of the impact of the relationships created during their time at Allens in shaping their career aspirations.
The program itself is a two-week opportunity aimed at exposing First Nations law students to life at a corporate law firm early in their degrees. By getting involved in hands-on client work and meeting a wide range of people across the firm, the internship gives students an opportunity to learn about commercial law, familiarise themselves with Allens and develop essential skills to help set them up for a successful legal career. The benefits for individuals are significant, but Allens gets a lot out if it, too. We learn from our interns and are able to educate our people and increase their awareness of, and engagement in, reconciliation, improving our overall approach to inclusion and cultural competency.
First Nations interns Jorja Costello, Keeley Hughes, Gheran Steel and Amanda Martin
The internship program gives students an opportunity to learn about commercial law and develop essential skills to help set them up for a successful legal career.
'My supervisor during the internship really made an effort to support me and stay in contact after the internship. He offered to catch up for coffee and have a chat when I was applying for future roles and just checked in to see how I was going with my studies'
Ryan Whittard, Allens lawyer and 2017 intern
'Allens has been such a breath of fresh air - it really diminishes any stigma of a stereotypical law firm and really appreciates diversity within its people.'
Jorja Costello, 2022 intern
'..a major highlight from my internship at Allens is all the wonderful people I met and the networks I created.'
Keeley Hughes, 2022 intern
The internship has evolved over the years to keep up with the ever-changing legal landscape and to provide First Nations law students with the support they need to start and grow their careers in the legal profession.
Beyond 2022, we are committed to further developing the program to create clearer career pathways for First Nations peoples in our firm and in our community, ultimately increasing the representation of First Nations people in the legal profession. We look forward to meeting the next generation of talented First Nations lawyers.