I applied for Defence’s Graduate Program to engage in interesting and impactful work, and for the diverse range of projects.  

Defence Legal is like a law firm because it gives you the opportunity to explore a broad range of legal areas. This aligned with my desire to get diverse legal experience and expertise across multiple areas of law. 

I completed the Graduate Program in mid-2023, and since then, I have been practising as a lawyer in Defence Legal which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I work with a collaborative team and learn from senior lawyers, which allows me to continuously expand my skill set.  

I was surprised by how quickly the 18-month Program flew by. I was grateful for Defence’s openness and receptiveness to graduates. I engaged with interesting and enriching work from day one.   

Being part of a program like the Defence Graduate Program is important because it offers the chance to explore various areas within Defence. This exposure helped me to deepen my understanding of Defence while identifying my interests and strengths. It’s a valuable opportunity for both personal and professional growth.  

One piece of advice I would give to a future graduate is to embrace every opportunity to learn and network. Engage with your colleagues, seek feedback, and be open to exploring different areas at Defence. This will help you to enhance your skills and discover your passions and strengths.  

This experience showed me that I can build a fulfilling career at Defence from the many diverse opportunities available.