According to the Law Society of NSW National Profile of Solicitors report, less than 1 per cent of Australian lawyers are Indigenous, despite comprising almost 3 per cent of the population. Universities Australia’s 2023 Indigenous Strategy Annual Report also revealed a significant disparity in graduation rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous bachelor’s degree students, with the completion rate of Indigenous students at 50 per cent and non-Indigenous students at 71.1 per cent.

Within the internship program, McCabes will support interns with mentorship and provide real-world experience to help them complete their studies. During the program, students will benefit from ongoing mentoring from an experienced legal practitioner, along with paid work experience two days a week throughout their university education. This will help them develop skill sets and gain access to referees to assist their education and bolster their employability.

McCabes managing principal Andrew Lacey said the internship program is a “step in the right direction”.

“Being a part of an internship program as a student is something that can provide clarity in your career inspirations, and this program is designed to provide real-world experience and exposure across a number of different areas of the law,” he said.

“Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can experience firsthand what a career in the legal industry entails and become acquainted with the almost limitless opportunities that become available upon graduating with a law degree.

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“We are proud and excited to see the commencement of this program as a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities at McCabes.”