Graduate Program

Launch Your Legal Career with Queensland’s Leading Criminal, Regulatory and Workplace Law Firm!

Are you a soon to be law graduate passionate about criminal, regulatory, or workplace law?

Gilshenan & Luton invites you to apply for our Graduate Program - a unique opportunity to build your legal career with one of Queensland’s most respected and awarded boutique law firms.

About the program

Our Graduate Program is a full-time, 2-year experience, designed to provide you with the skills and preparation for a successful legal career.

As a Gilshenan & Luton Graduate, you will:

• rotate through all practice areas, gaining hands-on experience in criminal, regulatory, and workplace law;
• work on real, high-impact cases involving investigations, criminal and other hearings, and disciplinary matters;
• attend conferences and court hearings alongside experienced lawyers and barristers;
• engage directly with clients, building confidence and practical legal skills;
• receive tailored mentoring and structured professional development from partners and senior lawyers, including seven accredited specialists;
• participate in firm-wide training programs and social events to build legal skills and professional networks;
• be supported through Practical Legal Training (PLT) and the transition to admission;
• finish the program fully prepared for a successful legal career.

Why choose Gilshenan & Luton?

Our values

Our firm is guided by four core values - Respect, Integrity, Excellence, and Client Focus. We value professionalism and trust in all relationships, act ethically and transparently, and pursue the highest standards of legal skill. Above all, we are dedicated to achieving outstanding results for our clients, with care and commitment shaping everything we do.

Leaders in criminal, regulatory & workplace law

Recognised as a first-tier criminal law firm in Queensland, we focus exclusively on criminal defence, regulatory investigations and prosecutions, and workplace law; representing clients in some of the state’s most complex and high-profile matters. Our firm started over 100 years ago, and we’ve been at the forefront of our practice areas ever since.

Diverse & exciting work

You will be exposed to a wide range of matters, from criminal hearings and regulatory investigations to employment disputes and occupational discipline cases.

Client-facing experience

From the start, you’ll have direct dealings with clients, barristers, and other professionals, developing the practical skills and confidence needed to become an outstanding lawyer. Our clients are a unique mix of private individuals, businesspeople, as well as private and public sector entities.

Join an award-winning team

Our firm and lawyers have received numerous honours, including the QLS President’s Medal, Outstanding Accredited Specialist award, and various ‘preeminent’, ‘leading’, and ‘rising stars’ titles. Additionally, our solicitors have been finalists for QLS excellence awards such as Solicitor of the Year, Emerging Leader, and Dame Quentin Bryce Domestic Violence Advocacy Award. 

Personalised mentoring & career guidance

Our Graduate Program features a dynamic mentoring system where junior solicitors are paired with a different director each year, ensuring exposure to diverse leadership styles and practice insights. Through regular one-on-one meetings, you’ll receive tailored feedback on your skill development and explore your career goals and aspirations. This structured yet flexible approach is designed to support your progression, broaden your professional outlook, and help you carve out a rewarding career path within the firm.

Supportive & collegial environment

We pride ourselves on a culture of quality, care, and commitment - both to our clients and our team. Our boutique size ensures you are never just a number; your contribution will be valued and your development prioritised.

Comprehensive graduate education program

Our Graduate Program is your opportunity to participate in a structured learning curriculum featuring intimate learning opportunities with our lawyers. These practical workshops cover essential topics including legal ethics, advanced legal writing, organisational skills, business development and marketing. You will gain the tools and insights needed to excel both as a practitioner and a future leader in the legal profession.

Attractive remuneration package

Enjoy a competitive starting salary, five weeks’ paid annual leave, with the firm also covering the full cost of your College of Law PLT program (minimum service commitment applies). In addition, high performers will have the opportunity to earn a discretionary bonus, recognising your contributions and commitment to excellence.

Who should apply?

We are looking for motivated, high-achieving law students approaching graduation who are:

• passionate about criminal, regulatory, or workplace law;
• committed to excellence, integrity, and client service;
• strong communicators - both written and verbal;
• eager to learn, take initiative, and work collaboratively; and
• ready to make a real impact from the start.

About Gilshenan & Luton

With our roots extending to 1924, and based in Brisbane, Gilshenan & Luton has a proud tradition of delivering expert legal services with exceptional care and attention to detail. We are consistently recognised for our results and our commitment to supporting clients through the most challenging times.

How to apply

If you are ready to launch your legal career with Gilshenan & Luton, we want to hear from you.

• Act now: We are currently considering applications for our Graduate Program, commencing either January or July 2026. Applications close 21 September 2025.
• Submit your application: Please include your CV, academic transcript, and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in criminal, regulatory, and/or workplace law.
• Contact:  hr@gnl.com.au

Worried you’re a square peg in a round hole?

We also welcome recently admitted solicitors interested in potential opportunities at our firm to submit their CV and cover letter via email for consideration.

Join us and become part of a team where your future as a great lawyer begins.

Gilshenan & Luton Legal Practice – Award-winning criminal, regulatory, and workplace lawyers. Brisbane, Queensland.