Summer Clerk Programme

Take your first step into a career that matters

At Parry Field Lawyers, we are committed to fostering the next generation of legal professionals. Each year, we welcome law students into our Summer Clerk Programme, designed to provide hands-on experience and give you the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution within our team.

As a summer clerk with us, you won’t just be observing. From day one, you’ll gain real-world experience, working alongside our solicitors, associates, and partners on client matters. You’ll be involved in legal research, drafting documents, attending client meetings, and will support active matters.

We have opportunities available in the following teams for our 2026/2027 Summer Clerk Programme:

Litigation (including Civil, Family, and Employment)
Property and Commercial
Migrant and Immigration (candidates fluent in Mandarin/Cantonese and English welcomed)
Impact

Programme Details and Key Dates:

Applications open: Monday 2 March 2026
Applications close: Monday 30 March 2026

The Programme starts mid-November 2026 and runs through until mid-February 2027.*

Based in our Christchurch CBD, Riccarton, or Hokitika offices.

*There may be further clerking roles available through the year.

What to expect

Meaningful work: You’ll be actively involved in client matters, gaining first-hand insight into different areas of law.
Support & mentorship: Our senior lawyers, associates and partners will guide you, ensuring you receive valuable learning opportunities.
A commitment to: Work-life balance, a competitive salary with paid holiday over the Christmas period. Inclusion into our firm’s social and Christmas events.
A collaborative team environment: Work in specialised teams that share their expertise, in order to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.
Networking opportunities: Build relationships with experienced legal professionals and expand your professional network.
Training and development opportunities: Join the team for training sessions, webinars and workshops. Have exposure to different areas of law that may interest you.
A pathway into your legal career: Many of our summer clerks go on to secure full-time roles with us after graduation.

Who should apply

We’re seeking driven and high-achieving law students who:

Excel in research, communication, and teamwork
Show a strong desire to learn, grow, and contribute within a collaborative and fast-paced legal environment
Currently in your penultimate or final year of study

How to apply

Step 1: Prepare Your Application:

To apply, you will need to submit the following documents:

Cover Letter – Tell us why you are interested in our firm, what you can bring, and which team you are interested in joining – Litigation, Property and Commercial, Migrant and Immigration, or Impact.
CV – Outline your education, work experience, extracurricular activities, and achievements.
Academic Transcript – Provide an up-to-date Academic Transcript of your university results, including GPA.

Step 2: Submit Your Application:

Applications open Monday 2 March 2026 and close Monday 30 March 2026.
Send your application to Careers@parryfield.com with the subject line: “Summer Clerk Application – [Your Name]”.

Step 3: Interview Process:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, where we will discuss your experience, career aspirations, and how you can contribute to our team.

Step 4: Offer & Onboarding:

Successful applicants will receive an offer to join our Summer Clerk Programme.

Staff Testimonials

Hear from Solicitor, Matthew Penno, and Law Clerk, Neve Davidson, as they share their experience working at Parry Field Lawyers.

My clerkship within the civil litigation team at Parry Field Lawyers consisted of invaluable experiences and opportunities for professional development. Under the guidance of experienced partners, I delved into various aspects of civil litigation, and gained practical skills and insights that I have been able to visit back into my legal studies.

I had the chance to actively participate in litigation discovery, conduct research, and work on writing legal opinions and memos, where I had the opportunity to apply legal principles to real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience not only enhanced my understanding of civil litigation but also honed my attention to detail and critical thinking skills.

A unique aspect of my clerkship at Parry Field was the close collaboration with supervising partners received. This close collaboration has taught me the importance of being able to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner, which I have been able to translate into my legal studies. Beyond the professional growth opportunities, the environment at Parry Field Lawyers was both supportive and enjoyable. Regular social activities, including morning teas and after-work drinks, created a vibrant and inclusive culture where collaboration thrived.

In summary, my clerkship experience at Parry Field Lawyers was nothing short of transformative. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a dynamic and enriching team.

Luke PeezSolicitor

“I am continually challenged and supported to be my best. I was involved in real legal work immediately, participating in client meetings and learning from more experienced lawyers. The exposure to a range of interesting and sometimes curly legal issues has been great for my development. I also enjoy collaborating with lawyers from the other teams and offices within Parry Field.”

Vicky joined us in May 2022 after completing her LLB and BA majoring in Classics and English from the University of Canterbury. She’s now working with our Litigation and Disputes Resolution team and says she’s enjoying using her research and problem-solving skills to help clients resolve their issues.

Vicky ReidSolicitor

As a law clerk at Parry Field Lawyers over the summer, I had an incredible opportunity to grow both professionally and personally in a challenging yet highly supportive environment. What stood out to me most was the exceptional mentorship—I was amazed by the amount of one-on-one time I had with partners who not only welcomed questions but genuinely enjoyed teaching and sharing their knowledge.

From day one, I was trusted with meaningful responsibilities, gaining hands-on experience in drafting letters and legal opinions, managing deadlines, and applying legal theory to real-world scenarios. I engaged directly with clients, collaborated with experienced lawyers, and contributed to achieving common goals.

Beyond the work itself, Parry Field fosters a strong sense of community. From weekly morning teas and spontaneous team coffees to evening drinks and other social events, I always felt like a valued part of a close-knit team.

For any law student seeking a firm that encourages creativity, prioritises excellence, and gets to the heart of what matters, I highly recommend Parry Field.