Your legal career starts long before graduation.

At WK, we believe great lawyers are built through experience.

Our unique Pathways Program gives final-year law students the opportunity to spend a year working alongside talented lawyers, contributing to real client work and developing the practical skills that law school can’t teach.

Unlike a traditional clerkship, Pathways isn’t a short-term introduction to life in a law firm. It’s a year-long, apprenticeship-style experience with the only international insurance legal business.

You’ll work on real matters alongside experienced lawyers and partners, gain exposure to complex disputes and commercial challenges, and develop the legal, commercial and technology skills that will help set you apart.

Many of our senior lawyers started their careers through Pathways. It’s more than work experience. It’s a genuine pathway into a graduate role and a long-term career at WK.

What makes Pathways different?

Unlike a short-term clerkship, Pathways gives you a full year to immerse yourself in the business. Less time sitting on the sidelines and more time building practical skills, gaining confidence and contributing to meaningful work.

You’ll work closely with experienced lawyers and partners, contribute to meaningful client work and see first-hand how legal advice helps clients navigate complex challenges.

Because we’re investing in you for the long term, we’ll get to know your strengths, understand your interests and help create opportunities that support your development. As your capability grows, so will the complexity of your work.

Most importantly, Pathways isn’t designed to be a standalone student program. It’s our primary pathway into the graduate program, with many of our Pathways Paralegals going on to build successful careers at WK.

What we’re looking for

We hire carefully and deliberately.

Pathways is designed for students who want to accelerate their development, learn through experience and build a career with a business that’s constantly evolving.

We’re looking for people who take initiative, ask thoughtful questions and are motivated to keep getting better. People who embrace responsibility, enjoy solving complex problems and are excited by the opportunity to contribute from day one.

You might already have your sights set on litigation. Or you might simply enjoy thinking critically, building relationships and helping clients navigate challenging situations.

At WK, you’ll be surrounded by people who love what they do and hold themselves to a high standard. We’re looking for people who want to do the same.

What to expect from WK

When you join WK, you’re joining more than a law firm.

You’re joining a business that’s redefining insurance and risk across the globe. Entrepreneurial by nature, we challenge convention, move quickly and look for better ways of doing things.

Our people don’t just advise clients. They help shape industries, build relationships and influence outcomes when they matter most. You’ll work alongside exceptional lawyers and business leaders while gaining exposure to sophisticated clients and some of the most complex challenges facing organisations today.

We’re also building the leading AI-enabled insurance and risk legal business, helping our people combine legal expertise with technology to deliver smarter outcomes and create new possibilities for clients.

As a Pathways Paralegal, you’ll experience first-hand what it means to be part of a high-performing business that backs ambitious people and invests in their future.

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Along the way, you’ll benefit from:

• Meaningful work from the outset, with responsibility and exposure that grows alongside your skills and confidence.
• Early exposure to clients and real-world challenges, helping you understand how legal advice creates value in practice.
• Practical feedback and coaching, with people who are invested in your development and success.
• Structured learning and development opportunities covering legal expertise, commercial acumen, AI capability and the human skills that will set you apart.
• Contributing to our nationally recognised pro bono program, supporting causes that matter to you, from social justice and human rights to environmental sustainability.
• The opportunity to balance work and university, while spending your rostered days in the office learning from experienced lawyers and building your professional network.
• A culture where people genuinely have each other’s backs, celebrate success and support you through challenges.
• A network of exceptional lawyers and mentors, committed to helping you realise your potential.
• The foundations for a successful legal career, developing the judgement, relationships and practical experience that great lawyers are known for.

Who’s eligible for the Pathways Program?

Pathways is a year-long, apprenticeship-style program designed to provide meaningful experience and prepare participants for a successful graduate career at WK. To ensure you can fully participate in the program and make the most of the opportunity, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident with unrestricted working rights
• Be undertaking the final year of your law degree in 2027 and be on track to graduate by the end of the year
• Be available to commence with WK on 8 February 2027, including participation in a full week of onboarding and induction in the office
• Be available to work two to three full days per week throughout the program
• Provide a complete academic transcript as part of your application
• Have completed the required Priestley 11 subjects by the beginning of 2028, ensuring you’re eligible to commence Practical Legal Training (PLT) from 8 February 2028
• Not be participating in another paralegal, clerkship or vacation program at the same time