Scholar Programme 2026

Russell McVeagh is New Zealand's premier law firm committed to operating at the cutting edge of legal practice. Our award-winning team of lawyers across Auckland | Tamaki Makaurau, Wellington | Te Whanganui-a-Tara and the South Island | Te Waipounamu are internationally recognised for their thought leadership, depth of experience and ability to translate complex legal issues into client success stories.

Our values of Respect | Manaaki, Curiosity | Mahirahira, Excellence | Whai hiranga and Tenacity | Whakapau kaha reflect who we are and how we work together.

About the opportunity

Our Scholar Programme provides financial support, work experience, mentorship and a great network of young and experienced professionals to lean on, especially when making big career decisions while at law school.

As a Scholar at Russell McVeagh, you will:

• Have the opportunity to summer clerk in our Auckland, Wellington or Queenstown offices either once or twice (meaning that you could experience life as a junior lawyer in up to four different practice groups);


• Receive $2,000 a year to go towards the study costs of your law degree;


• Take part in a three-day work experience programme during your first year as a scholar. This will take place in July;


• Have both a solicitor and partner mentor to provide you with support, guidance and practical help during your time at law school;


• Be connected with other Russell McVeagh scholars at law schools across the country; and


• Be invited to various Russell McVeagh functions, including catch-up events throughout the year, allowing you to build your network at an early age. 

About you

We are looking for students who are in the third year of their law degree and have:

• A strong interest in commercial law;


• A strong academic record;


• Demonstrated leadership or involvement in extracurricular activities, for example, community/cultural/sport/volunteering/work or family | whanau commitments;


• Drive, ambition, and a positive attitude;


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; and


• Share our values of Respect | Manaaki, Curiosity | Mahirahira, Excellence | Whai hiranga and Tenacity | Whakapau kaha.

Application

Applications close midday 24 March 2026.

To begin your application with us, please upload your CV, academic transcript and written exercise submission.

Written Exercise

We have found cover letters to often contain a wide range of information. Instead, to make it easier for you to know what to include, we just need you to answer 3 questions. This helps us to understand a little more about you in a fair and consistent way. Your answers should not exceed one page in total and ideally should be submitted in a PDF format.

1. What does a typical week look like for you? We're interested in what keeps you busy.  Examples might include study, work, volunteering, volunteering, family/whānau, community, sport, culture, or other regular activities.


2. What appeals to you about working in commercial law?


3. Russell McVeagh's values are 'Curiosity', 'Excellence', 'Tenacity' and 'Respect'.  Thinking of these values, why do you believe you will make a great addition as a Scholar at Russell McVeagh?

For more information or to discuss this opportunity please get in touch with our Graduate Talent Advisor, Matt Kendall.

We believe in enabling a supportive and inclusive workplace for everyone. Click here for further information about Russell McVeagh's diversity and inclusion vision and commitment.

Our firm is invested in achieving transformational change and having a positive impact – and our 2025 Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Report captures our firm's progress on our commitment to helping to shape a sustainable and thriving Aotearoa New Zealand. You can read our 2025 report, 'Contributing to Aotearoa New Zealand | Te Whai Koha ki Aotearoa' here.