What
to expect
You should be passionate about learning about corporate law, because that’s what we do. We’re New Zealand’s premier corporate law specialists. We pride ourselves on solving complex legal problems which deliver commercially viable outcomes for our clients. Here, you’ll learn how to find solutions others can’t, and that’s a rare skill.
You will learn your profession from, and be mentored by, some of New Zealand’s most respected corporate lawyers. They are among the best thinkers and corporate advisory strategists in the business. The experience you’ll gain will be invaluable.
You will hone your analytical and creative thinking skills, helping to advise leading listed companies, private equity firms, corporates and offshore-based clients and be involved in some of the most challenging corporate transactions in New Zealand. While every summer is different, interns have found themselves in board meetings, drafting documents for live transactions, and assisting our lawyers to provide critical advice on complex legal issues.
We offer a team-orientated and supportive environment where you will be encouraged and valued - without the hierarchy and bureaucracy associated with larger firms getting in the way.
What
we offer
Your work: You will take part in real client work right away. This may include complex merger and acquisition transactions, takeovers, capital markets transactions, corporate governance and regulatory advice, debt financing and financial services, foreign investment and a range of other high-profile work. You will be encouraged to ‘think outside the box’. You will work in a team-orientated environment, developing excellent problem-solving skills as you go.
Your rewards: You will accelerate your knowledge and expertise as a legal professional specialising in corporate law. You’ll learn to be a part of a small, close knit, high–functioning team. We’re looking for the brightest and most enquiring minds, so it’s only fair we reward you accordingly. Your remuneration will be above-market.
Your potential: Harmos Horton Lusk offers an ideal environment in which to maximise your potential. We place a great deal of importance on mentorship and ongoing training, and there will be ample development opportunities for you to advance your career.
Here's what
our lawyers say
2026/2027 Summer Clerkship Applications are open
Applications close at 5pm on
Monday 23 March 2026
Our recent Summer Clerks said:
“Make sure that you think deeply about why you want to work in corporate law and express this in your interviews. Treat the interviews like a conversation – it sounds cliché but be yourself and let your personality shine through (while still keeping it professional, of course). Take the opportunity to ask questions about the firm and corporate law – everyone is happy to share their experience!”
“The directors encourage you to ask questions and learn, challenging your knowledge which allows you to rapidly develop your technical and professional skills. Because of this, a key requirement for anyone thinking about applying to Harmos Horton Lusk is to be confident that they are genuinely interested and passionate about learning and working in corporate law.”
What we hire on:
- Intellect – a minimum B+/A- average. Please state your law GPA at the top of your resume.
- Fit – you will be confident, curious, comfortable working in teams, have an active life outside of
university and a focus on excellence. - Interest in business – this could be demonstrated through a BCom conjoint, your choice of
electives, or demonstrable interest in the commercial world. - Readiness to start with the firm in 2028. We may interview students who will complete the
requirements for their degree at the end of 2026 for a 2027 commencement.
How to apply: You will need your transcript and your resume. No cover letter? That’s right – we hire on fit, interest and thinking abilities and we want to get to know you in person. Click the Let’s Talk button below. In the subject line, use “Summer Clerk application 2026”. Make sure you have stated your law GPA in your resume. Attach your transcript and resume and hit the send button. Too easy!
The process: If your application is successful, you will be invited to an initial 30-minute Teams interview. At this interview we will focus on fit and interest, we will tell you about the firm and you will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Those who proceed to the next stage will be invited to at least one in-person interview with Directors (Partners) and have an opportunity to meet with our Associates.
Key steps in our process are:
- Stage 1 – Review of resumes and transcripts in March. We will advise if you are proceeding
to Stage 2 by Friday 27th March, although we may start meeting people prior to then. - Stage 2 – Interviews will be held via Teams, toward the end of March/early April.
- Stage 3 –Interviews with Directors – first interviews held in late March either by Teams or
in person (depending on whether you are Auckland based) and in person second interviews
held over the mid-semester break. You will also have the opportunity to meet with Associates
and Graduates. - Stage 4 – Successful applicants will be offered positions by early May.