Mellor Olsson operates from a head office in Adelaide with three further regional offices in Port Lincoln, Clare and Barossa Valley.
We employ more than 90 South Australian’s across our range of legal and business support roles. We provide employment opportunities for a range of individuals, including junior administrative positions. As a growing firm, Mellor Olsson is always on the lookout for the talented people to join our team.
Our values
At Mellor Olsson, our purpose is to have a positive impact on our clients’ lives. Put simply, we’re here to help other South Australian individuals and businesses succeed. To ensure we are able to do this, we employ staff who embody and embrace our firm values:
- Excellence - We are the best version of ourselves
- Respect - We demonstrate regard for other’s feelings, wishes, rights, opinions, skills and knowledge
- Integrity - We do the right thing with honesty and through genuine conversations
- Care - We are invested in our people and our clients
- United - We are in it together.
Students and Graduates
Mellor Olsson is committed to ensuring South Australia continues to grow some of the best legal minds available. That is why we are invested in the development, education and mentoring of future solicitors.
As a full service law firm with regional offices, our clerkship and graduate program offers one of the most diverse platforms for a career in law. Learning from our Senior Management, Partners and Senior Associates, graduates and clerks are continually supported whilst given responsibility and autonomy.
GDLP and PLT Placements
Mellor Olsson is passionate about the development of future solicitors, and we are pleased to offer PLT placement opportunities. Partaking in a PLT placement at Mellor Olsson affords GDLP students the opportunity to be mentored by senior members of our team and work closely with practitioners who have an excellent reputation in the industry. PLT placement Clerks receive guidance and support while they apply the skills learnt throughout their degree. They may perform tasks such as conducting legal research, attending client meetings, assisting with preparing legal documents and attending court to observe.
We are always on the lookout for talent who embodies our firm’s values and is passionate about law. The ideal PLT clerk will not only excel academically, but demonstrate life experience and participation in extracurricular activities. They will be eager to learn and continually develop their skills, have excellent teamwork and communication skills, and be focused on delivering high quality work.
Applications for GDLP and PLT Placements should be directed to [email protected] and include a covering letter, curriculum vitae, and academic transcript.
Graduates
Our graduate program suits students in the final year of their law degree or recent graduates. Commencing your legal career in a full service law firm gives successful applicants broad exposure to all aspects of law. Mellor Olsson is one of the largest and most established law firms in South Australia, making our graduate programs an excellent starting point for your career.
Graduates are assigned a mentor and will build commercial acumen along with core legal skills training throughout the program. Mellor Olsson recognises the importance of flexibility and provides flexible part-time options throughout the final year of study if required. Current vacancies for graduate positions can be viewed here.
Business Professionals
Mellor Olsson has a CEO structure, supported by Senior Managers in Finance, People & Culture, Marketing and IT. This team ensures the successful running of the business and reports to the Partnership group.
Training & Development
Continual progression of our team members is part of our success. Our focus on training and development encourages career progression. We offer professional development sessions, with a focus on technical skills and non-technical training.
We also partner with external training providers or experts in their field and offer networking opportunities.
Health & Wellbeing
At Mellor Olsson we are invested in the health and wellbeing of our staff, with dedicated programs focusing on the physical and mental health of employees. We offer an Employee Assistance Program, regularly check-in on workloads, and provide educational sessions around sleep, mindfulness and self-care.
As the physical health of our team is also important, we provide initiatives such as fresh fruit, free flu vaccinations and a regular walking group.
Social activities
We understand the importance of taking some time out and having a little fun with our work colleagues. Whether it is a morning tea, a charity run or our famous themed MOTown’s, at Mellor Olsson everyone has a sense of belonging.
The benefits of working in a regional law firm
As an aspiring lawyer in South Australia, you have an exciting journey ahead, full of decisions that will shape your future career. One pivotal choice is where to begin your legal practice. While the allure of big city firms is undeniable, there is an often-overlooked gem in regional law firms.
At Mellor Olsson Lawyers, with offices in Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Clare, and the Barossa Valley, we offer a unique blend of professional and personal benefits that make regional practice an excellent choice. At Mellor Olsson Lawyers, we can attest to the many advantages of working in a regional law firm, from diverse case exposure to a fulfilling work-life balance.
Diverse and varied case matters
- Broad legal exposure: Work across diverse areas such as family law, commercial disputes, property transactions, and estate planning.
- Less specialisation, more variety: Unlike city firms, regional practice avoids early pigeonholing into one niche.
- Faster skill development: Gain practical experience across multiple fields from the start of your career.
- Engaging work: The variety keeps day-to-day tasks interesting and dynamic.
- Accelerated career progression: A well-rounded foundation can fast-track your professional growth.
Accelerated career advancement
- Regional practice offers a diverse case load, leading to faster career advancement.
- At Mellor Olsson, regional lawyers gain hands-on experience more quickly than in larger city firms.
- Practical, frontline involvement accelerates skill development and professional growth.
- Regional roles often involve more direct client contact and responsibility early on.
- Young lawyers handle significant tasks, building confidence and expertise rapidly.
- This early responsibility enhances legal skills and strengthens client relationships.
- Working regionally fosters a deeper understanding of client needs and community dynamics.
Work-life balance and quality of life
- Lifestyle benefits beyond the office: Working in a regional law firm offers significant lifestyle perks alongside professional development.
- High quality of life: Living in South Australia's rural communities provides an exceptional quality of life that’s hard to match.
- Work-life balance: Picturesque landscapes and a slower pace of life support a healthier and more enjoyable work-life balance.
- Outdoor recreation nearby: Locations like Port Lincoln, Clare, and the Barossa Valley offer easy access to hiking, fishing, wine regions, and more.
- Convenient access: Outdoor activities are often within close proximity to both home and office, making them part of your regular routine.
- Short commutes & strong community: Shorter travel times and a close-knit community atmosphere further enhance your lifestyle.
Supportive and collaborative environment
- Supportive culture: Smaller teams offer strong support and collaboration.
- Close-knit team: Regional offices foster a caring, collegial environment.
- Well-connected: Regional staff stay connected to the wider firm.
- Access to resources: Adelaide head office offers ongoing support and expertise.
- Team collaboration: Regular interaction with city-based lawyers ensures teamwork and consistency.
Professional development opportunities
- Ongoing development: Mellor Olsson is committed to continuous learning for all staff, including those in regional offices.
- Multiple learning avenues: Lawyers gain skills through formal training, mentorship, and hands-on experience.
- Clerkship opportunities: Emerging lawyers can begin in the Adelaide office before moving to a regional placement.
- Blended experience: This mix of urban and regional work builds a well-rounded perspective and diverse skill set.
Starting your legal career in a regional firm offers real advantages. At Mellor Olsson, you'll gain hands-on experience, strong support, and enjoy a great lifestyle in South Australia's rural communities. With faster career growth and a focus on development, our regional offices are a smart, rewarding choice.