During their two-week full-time internship in our Singapore office, undergraduate interns from the Diploma in Law and Management program at Temasek Polytechnic are placed with legal, support, and professional services teams. These new working relationships also open up new ways of thinking and working for Mallesons Explore mentors and supervisors. “Mallesons Explore provides our interns with practical support, targeted training and valuable connections to help unlock their potential,” says Janine Wan, Associate and Mallesons Explore mentor. “It has been truly inspiring to see everyone in our office come together to share their experiences and advice on building careers in law. I was particularly struck by one colleague — usually more on the reserved side — who became an exceptionally proactive mentor to the interns.”

In Australia, Mallesons partners with The Smith Family to deliver Mallesons Explore as part of their broader work on pathways and transitions. Students taking part in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life or Tertiary Together programs are eligible to apply. As a long-term supporter of The Smith Family through workplace giving, Mallesons Explore volunteer Maria DeBari enjoyed having a new way to contribute to this important work. “To have a direct impact on a young person’s life is rewarding in so many ways,” she says. “In 2025, our Perth Shared Service teams hosted Ethan, a vibrant young student who was studying for a Bachelor of Commerce degree. As Ethan’s buddy, I helped him find his way around the office, checked in with him each week and ensured his time with us was enjoyable, memorable and an overall great experience.”