Careers

Graduate Programme

  
  
  
  

 

 

 

 

  
  
  
How it works


We commence interviewing in October for graduate intake commencing in February the following year.  Our graduate programme is built on 4 practice group rotations allowing graduates exposure to a broad range of skills, in the law.  At the end of the programme, a placement in the graduate’s preferred area of practice may be accommodated based on the graduates’ experiences and availability in the firm, following qualification.

Each rotation allows 3 months training in the following areas:

  1. Corporate and Commercial
  2. Litigation and Dispute Resolution
  3. Insurance – Personal Injury and Public Liability
  4. Insurance – Professional Indemnity

At the end of each month, you will meet with your mentor and supervisor to discuss your progress.

At the end of each 3 month rotation period, a formal discussion will take place with your supervisor.  You will have the opportunity to discuss your experiences, progress and allow you to set objectives for the next rotation.

In each rotation, you will have an experienced lawyer who makes it their job to ensure that you:

  • experience opportunities to explore a variety and volume of challenging work
  • develop broader business skills, such as management, business development, networking and leadership skills
  • engage and have involvement with quality clients, both local and international
  • receive coaching on skill development
  • obtain regular feedback on performance and progress
  • gain advice on managing your transition into the legal profession

 

Additional learning needs


Regular monthly in-house learning and development seminar topics will be arranged by our MCLE Committee to assist with ongoing training and development needs.

To develop your presentation, networking and research skills, graduates will present an MCLE in-house seminar on a topic of their choice that is relevant to the skills of a specific rotation area.

To develop your knowledge skills, an article publication of a specific topic of their choice, relevant to the skills of a specific rotation will be published. 

In addition to the practical training undertaking during your rotations, graduates also complete a part-time Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with the College of Law.  This includes receiving training in substantive areas of law, such as litigation, and practical skills training in areas involving legal research skills, client interviewing and negotiations.

 

Speaking from experience....
Liam
 “Working at McCabe Terrill has been an eye-opening experience.  Right from the first day I was involved with exciting matters and was given a lot of independence and responsibility.  The solicitors, associates and principals all made me feel welcome and were always ready to give me instructions, advice, or help with my work and they truly do have an “open door” policy.  I was always kept closely involved with the matters I was working on, and never felt like I was ‘just in the background,’ but was instead just as much a part of the team as the rest of my group.  I was exposed to a wide range of matters, and was able to see the progression of both large and small matters through the firm.  My input was highly valued and I have learned an amazing amount during my time as a graduate at McCabe Terrill.”
 
Tarryn

 “As a graduate, I found that McCabe Terrill recognises that graduates want ‘hands on’ legal experience that goes beyond research memorandums and drafting subpoenas. I am given responsibility, but in a supportive environment where principals and colleagues are approachable and are happy to provide guidance. The set rotations of Insurance, Commercial Litigation and Commercial and Corporate Departments provided a well-rounded practical education, and I found that I enjoyed areas of law that I would not have otherwise tried. McCabe Terrill also invests in their lawyers, providing access to Continuing Legal Education both in house and externally, and also allows lawyers to pursue their interests within the law.

McCabe Terrill also has a range of Committees that you can join, and I have enjoyed being part of the Pro Bono Committee which does both Pro bono legal work, and fundraising for charities. We also have several sporting teams competing at any given time, and I was very happy to be part of the MCT Soccer team this year.

Most of all however, McCabe Terrill has managed to balance the best of both worlds: good work with the collegiate feel of a family firm.”

Danyal
 “McCabe Terrill is one of the very few firms that dedicates a lot of energy and resources towards training and development of graduates. The firm really goes out of its way to ensure that graduates are exposed to ‘real’ work. As a graduate, you can expect to do your own appearances at a very early stage. The firm also believes in flexibility and a fair work/life balance. Graduates are encouraged to join one of the many sporting competitions sponsored by the firm, while also giving graduates much-needed study leave for college exams!”
 
Joel
 “McCabe Terrill Lawyers is a great place to develop and learn as a graduate lawyer.  From day one I was exposed to a wide-range of legal matters, from simply debt recoveries to multi-jurisdictional supreme court litigation and given the freedom to take ownership of my work.  In my time at the firm my superiors have been steadfast in their encouragement to immerse myself in unfamiliar work, yet patient in situations where I needed guidance.  The skills I have learned since joining the firm have been invaluable and I have been rewarded for my efforts both through job satisfaction and through general support from all levels in the firm.”
David
 “McCabe Terrill provides an environment to learn, grow and be part of a diverse and knowledgeable team. The main reason that I would recommend McCabe Terrill is that it allows its employees to maintain a healthy work, lifestyle balance. I am a member of the firm’s premiership winning soccer team and am looking forward to the upcoming touch football season. The firm has a strong family culture of respect and honesty, values that I hold closely. I have been with McCabe Terrill for just under a year now, working within the public liability team. The other members in my team are friendly, approachable and always willing to provide advice. If you are looking to practise law, but want to maintain your social life and make some great friends along the way, then McCabe Terrill is the place for you.”
Rachel

 “I started as a graduate at McCabe Terrill in September 2010 in the professional indemnity practice group.  From day 1 you feel the friendly and supportive environment: you are assigned a mentor and a buddy, introduced to everyone in the office and taken out to a welcome lunch.  It was easy to settle in and feel part of a team, and by the end of the first month I was a member of the Social Health and Culture Committee.

The work I have been involved in continues to be varied and interesting – court attendance at the Local, District, Supreme and Federal Courts; I recently assisted a senior associate with an appeal hearing; instructing experts; obtaining witness statements; and partaking in client meetings.  McCabes really focuses on the personal growth of their graduates, so do not expect to be shied away behind the scenes.

McCabes also offers lots of opportunities to get to know people outside of your team through monthly drinks, industry functions, weekly diary meetings for the junior professionals, firm sponsored team sporting activities (we are the reigning champions of soccer in the domain), internal CLEs, joining a committee and Friday breakfast.  McCabes has provided an enjoyable platform to launch my legal career.”

Martina

 “I commenced working at McCabe Terrill as a paralegal in September 2010 in the liability insurance team and then as a solicitor when I was admitted in May 2011.

Over the last year I have been exposed to all aspects of insurance litigation and have been afforded many opportunities to learn and develop my skills as a graduate solicitor. From the very beginning I was mentioning matters in Court, drafting legal documents and liaising with other solicitors and agencies. I have also been encouraged to attend MCLE, training and mentoring sessions to improve my knowledge and skills base.  McCabe’s hold many in-house training sessions on various topics, including managing with workplace stress quite regularly. One thing you will find working at McCabe’s is that they will invest a lot of time and effort into helping you achieve your goals as a solicitor and balancing those goals with your personal life.

The best part about working at McCabe’s is my colleagues. I work with a young, dynamic team and I am really not lying when I say that I enjoy coming to work every day. I am always encouraged to seek help when I need it and we all work together in a supportive environment to help each other out. I think it’s crucial when you are starting out as a solicitor to have your colleagues there for guidance and support and I feel comfortable enough here to approach anyone from a fellow graduate to a partner.

Since joining McCabe’s I have also been a member of the Social Health & Culture Committee. We help arrange both in and out of office activities for staff including end of year parties, yoga, massages, monthly drinks, charity fundraising events and corporate sports teams (soccer, touch football and netball). Staff are always encouraged to participate and take advantage of the activities on offer outside of work and as much as we like to work hard here we also like to have fun too.”

Melissa
 “I joined the firm as a graduate in April 2011. In 6 short months I’ve gone from being a paralegal/graduate (who felt like they didn’t know how to do anything) to an admitted solicitor (who might know a little bit but still has stacks to learn) with all the fun, challenges, stress and sense of accomplishment that entails. In my time at McCabe’s I’ve experienced growth both personally and professionally due to the relevant and experience appropriate work I was given. It was hands on and at times I was thrown in the deep end but on the other side of it I have learnt so much. I’ve drafted subpoenas, defences, requests for particulars and affidavits as well as appearing in court and have observed hearings all furthering my development. I’ve surprised myself with what I can do and how much of the law I have yet to experience. The firm is welcoming and celebrates achievements, my admission was celebrated by my team with a lovely High Tea at the QVB Tea house and everyone here was proud of my achievement making sure I didn’t let it slide on by. From the Friday breakfasts, to monthly drinks and massages life at McCabe’s is pretty good!”
Alice
 “I started at McCabe Terrill in September 2011. I have found McCabe Terrill to be a great workplace with an excellent work culture.  McCabe Terrill is a friendly, team based workplace. Working in a team means that you can draw on the knowledge and experience of numerous colleagues; which is great. McCabe Terrill offers challenging and rewarding work for graduate lawyers. You work closely with your team members and are given the opportunity to do meaningful work for interesting cases.”