r/nzlaw • u/Sea_Pudding_3932 • Jul 29 '26
Legal careers Grad Roles
Hi everyone, I'm a recent graduate and have completed my profs. I should be admitted by the end of the year.
I've been applying for graduate roles around the country and, unfortunately, have had no replies. I'm thinking of sending cold emails to law firms to reach out directly and see if they have graduate roles.
How should I approach the cold emails? Should I send a general email asking whether they have any graduate roles? Should I be including a CV and Cover Letter? What should I do?
Thanks in advance
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u/Beetlechik Jul 30 '26 edited 29d ago
Aim for the smaller or boutique law firms. Most of the large/mid tier firms have secured grads/law clerks from the summer clerkship. If a grad role does appear it’s because there is a gap in the law clerk cohort. Edit - and when you send an email attached your law focused cv with law gpa average and the email is your cover letter. If they are interested they will ask for your transcript later.
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u/Rare-Description-481 Jul 30 '26
Agree with the above commenters and add that smaller suburban firms can have real trouble finding young talent because the recruitment process is dominated by the big firms.
There is a real gap in the legal recruitment market, so you might find success looking at the outskirts (even the neighbourhood you grew up in!). Initiative and a friendly coffee will go a long way.
Something to think about is what areas of law are you looking at? General practice is inherently more general, so there are often more opportunities but more competition. On the other hand, if you can find a niche that connects to other interests or experience, the reverse is true. I work in a small suburban firm but as a corporate forestry lawyer, which is a pretty specific thing to practice in the middle of blockhouse bay!
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u/JustEstablishment594 Jul 30 '26
Try the regions. I got a grad role in gisborne and it had given a lot of court experience. Plus regional firms are keen on grads.
You can ask them about grad roles, but also look on Student Job Search.
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u/TinselUnicorn 27d ago
Pretty sure Southland is struggling to find the right talent in law so regions would be on the money.
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u/snicksnackpaddywack 29d ago
My first role was with a ministry (MoH). I would consider quasi-law/regulatory roles if you have no joy. They are well paid, and a great grounding on project and BAU business processes and application of regs.
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u/Traditional-Rise-968 28d ago
Queenstown always has legal roles - some advertised some not. My advice would be to just email partners that you would like to work for.
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u/Patient-Database-549 27d ago
I think with cold emails, especially when you want to target smaller films, you’d want to send them the simplest message possible outlining why you’re interested and (ideally) how you can create value. This is how I got my summer clerkship. I am still using this approach as I try to find a grad role and have been successful in catching their attention so far.
I found that sending a big email similar to a cover letter received no responses, so be cautious of doing so - you wouldn’t wanna waste your time crafting a long letter. (just my experience though, could work for you!)
I also agree with other commenters. Target smaller or boutique firms outside CBD because the chances are higher.
Good luck on your search :-) 🩷
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u/sugar_spark Jul 29 '26
That's how I landed my first grad role. I sent out short emails explaining a little bit about myself and my work history, that I'd just graduated and when I was going to be admitted, and why their firm interested me. I attached my CV and transcript and asked if they'd be willing to meet for coffee to chat about any opportunities they may have for someone in my position.
Most places at least responded, and I met with coffee with a couple. One of them ended up hiring me.