Harmans Lawyers

Join our firm from November to February and benefit from our successful Summer Clerk Programme.

Why Harmans?

Harmans have operated in and around Canterbury since 1888.

We are immensely proud of our history in the region and have gone to great lengths to combine outstanding service with a down-to-earth approach in a comprehensive range of areas including Asset Protection, Franchising, Hospitality, Subdivisions, Small Business, Finance, Estate Administration, Property Law, Insurance Disputes, Resource Management, Civil Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Employment and Family Law.

We are committed to creating an environment for our clients and staff that reflects our values of integrity, honesty, and reliability, with an innovative mind-set. We love new ideas, so if there is a better way of doing things we encourage our staff to put their suggestions forward.

To ensure we continue to provide our clients with the best legal advice, we embrace professional development, and any other opportunities to expand and refine our specialist skill set.

Harmans is a great place to practice law.  We work really hard for our clients but also take the time to stop and have a laugh with each other.  The thrill of achieving outstanding results is complimented by our dedication to wellness, social responsibility and support within every lawyer’s practice.

Our support extends to the local community including organisations, charities and events such as the Court Theatre, Sculpture on the Peninsula fundraiser for Cholmondeley Children’s Home, the City Mission and Ronald McDonald House.

We take great pride in our Summer Clerk Programme with a number of prior summer clerks now occupying permanent roles within the firm at levels ranging from graduate lawyer to partner.

Our Summer Clerk Programme

We will provide: 

  • a 12-week structured rotation providing a wide variety of work in teams dealing with Commercial, Conveyancing, Banking and Finance, Hospitality, Franchising, Subdivisions, Small Business, Civil Litigation, Insurance Disputes, Estates, Seniors, and Family Law;
  • an opportunity to assess what areas of law you enjoy the most;
  • opportunities to attend client meetings and/or Court events (where possible);
  • a lawyer who will be your buddy during the 12-week period;
  • ongoing training and constructive feedback;
  • a competitive salary;
  • first opportunity to apply for a graduate role (if available);
  • more than just photocopying and scanning.

Other things:

You’ll enjoy all of our staff benefits including work functions, charity events, social club events, casual Fridays and more.

We are committed to providing a safe work place for all staff, and have adopted a number of policies including an Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy.

Harmans is also a signatory to the New Zealand Law Society Gender Equality Charter.

What you can expect as a summer clerk working with us

To view our summer clerk testimonials click here.

Important details and dates

Our Summer Clerk Programme is aimed at law students who have one year to complete their law degree.  Law students can apply in March of their penultimate year of study.  Occasionally we may offer positions to students earlier in their studies.

Applications open:                                  1 March 2024
Applications close:                                  31 March 2024 (if not filled prior)
Interviews:                                                April – May 2024
Offers made:                                             May 2024
Summer Clerk Programme starts:       November 2024
Summer Clerk Programme ends:         February 2025

To apply

Email your CV, Academic Transcript, and Covering letter to:

Julie Knowles
Practice Manager
julie.knowles@harmans.co.nz