Legal Opportunities
Last updated 30/11/2024
Part-time Tipstaff to the Honourable Justice Richmond — Supreme Court of NSW
The Honourable Justice Mark Richmond is seeking applications for the part-time role of Tipstaff to his Honour from 29 January 2025 to 4 July 2025. The position is for two days a week, preferably Thursday and Friday.
Criteria for appointment
Applicants should have:
a law degree, or nearly completed law degree;
a high level of academic achievement (Honours in law or a Distinction or higher weighted average mark is desirable but not essential); and
high-level research skills.
The position will require:
excellent organisational and time management skills;
strong attention-to-detail for proofing judgments; and
clear written and verbal communication.
His Honour seeks to appoint Tipstaves who have experience working in a professional legal context, whether during or after the completion of their university studies.
Applications
Applications should include:
a cover letter of no more than two pages addressed to his Honour Justice Richmond;
a brief curriculum vitae including contact details of at least two referees;
your current university academic transcript; and
a sample of your legal writing (e.g. a thesis, essay or article).
Applications should be sent to his Honour’s Associate, Chambers.RichmondJ@courts.nsw.gov.au by 5pm on Friday, 29 November 2024. Interviews will take place in the week commencing 2 December 2024.
Legal Assistant — New Chambers
A position is available for a law student to commence work as a permanent part-time Legal Assistant for Michael Cosgrove, a barrister at a well-regarded chambers in Sydney.
Michael primarily practises in taxation law, particularly federal taxation law. Michael generally acts for large corporates and high net worth individuals, as well as the Commissioner of Taxation, and has an extensive taxation law advisory practice.
New Chambers is one of Australia’s pre-eminent chambers. It fosters talent and is a rewarding place to work, with a positive and welcoming culture. For more information on New Chambers, please see the website at https://newchambers.com.au/.
This is an opportunity for a highly motivated, intelligent student going into their penultimate or final year of an LLB or final year of a JD in 2025.
The role will commence ideally in late December 2024, although the commencement date is negotiable. The role is for 2 days per week (with flexibility around your university timetable), though additional days or hours may be required at times.
Your responsibilities will be to assist with both legal and administrative tasks, including:
performing legal research and preparing research memoranda, notes and summaries regarding legal issues, legislation or cases, as required;
reading and summarising briefs and other documentation, and preparing summaries;
proofreading documents (such as advices or submissions), including checking citations;
managing documentation, including printing and filing (including the use of a cloud-based file system); and
undertaking errands and other tasks as required.
An ideal candidate for this position should have:
at least a Distinction weighted average mark in law;
strong legal research skills;
excellent verbal and written communication skills;
excellent time management and organisational skills;
a critical eye to detail;
a proactive approach to work and enthusiasm for learning new things;
a sense of humour; and • good judgment and discretion, due to the confidentiality of client information.
Previous legal and/or research experience is desirable but not required. A willingness to learn about taxation law issues is essential, although no prior experience or studies in relation to taxation law are required for the role.
Rate of Pay: Above award
Employment Duration/Type: Permanent part-time
Application Deadline: 5/12/2024
How to Apply: Please submit your application via email to Michael’s current assistant, Catherine Nguyen, at cnguyen@newchambers.com.au. To be considered, your application must include:
a short cover letter, explaining why you are interested in this position and demonstrating any previous legal research experience that you have;
your curriculum vitae;
your academic transcript; and
a recent example of your legal writing which demonstrates your research and analysis skills.
Contact details for any Questions/Enquiries: Catherine Nguyen cnguyen@newchambers.com.au (preferred) (02) 9151 2050
For further information about the role please see this document.
Legal Assistant/Paralegal/Personal Assistant to David Weinberger — Nine Wentworth Chambers
Duties will generally involve:
Legal research
Legal drafting
Typing correspondence and advice
Billing, filing, file management and general practice management/office duties
Making court briefs
Assisting with ad hoc personal matters
Other ad hoc matters
Must be able to work at least 3 days and days will vary from week to week.
Start date: Late January
Employment Duration/Type: Casual ongoing
Rate of Pay: $30/hour + super
Application Deadline: 30/12/2024
How to Apply: Please email a CV and a cover letter to dweinbergerpa@ninewentworth.com.au. Distinction average considered but not essential.
Insolvency Paralegal/Insolvency Practitioner Assistant — Levi Consulting Pty Ltd
We invite applications from JD students or LLM students seeking to gain valuable hands-on experience in the corporate insolvency sector. This role offers an immediate start and requires a part-time commitment (3 days per week).
About Levi Consulting
Levi Consulting is a leading advisory firm specialising in restructuring, insolvency, and dispute resolution. We help clients navigate complex commercial challenges, preserve value, and drive performance during periods of financial distress. Our team provides tailored solutions for businesses across various industries to achieve strategic and financial objectives.
Role Overview
You will be involved in a range of challenging and rewarding matters, including but not limited to:
Insolvency & Restructuring: Provide legal support in corporate insolvencies, restructurings, and distressed transactions. Advise clients on formal insolvency procedures, including voluntary administration, liquidation, and restructuring.
Dispute Resolution: Provide advice to clients in commercial disputes and assist in developing strategies. Liaise with Courts and prepare for hearings.
Legal Research: Undertake legal research on issues arising out of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and Corporations Regulations 2001 (Cth), and provide briefs to outline findings.
Financial Analysis: Assess the financial position of distressed companies and undertake quantitative analysis of financial statements.
Key Responsibilities
Client Advisory: Work closely with clients to manage distressed assets and liabilities. Communicate with clients to understand their commercial objectives and provide strategic advice.
Document Drafting & Lodgement: Draft and lodge statutory reports, forms, and letters to stakeholders.
Case Management: Take responsibility for managing client files, updating work plan, and ensuring timelines are met.
Organisational Skills: Be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits
Professional Growth: Exposure to a wide range of client matters, alongside training and mentorship.
Academic Support: Leave is provided during exam periods to support your academic commitments.
Levi Alumni Program: Paralegals typically transition from Levi to major law firms or banks after 12-18 months with Levi.
Key Selection Criteria
Education: Current JD or LLM students.
Experience: Previous professional experience is highly desired but not necessary.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Attention to Detail: Highly organised with a keen eye for detail.
Leadership and Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively.
Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Excel and Word) and general technology use.
Time Management: Ability to meet deadlines and manage workflow efficiently.
Rate of Pay: Competitive
How to Apply: To apply, please submit your CV, academic transcript and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in this role to David Levi at dlevi@leviconsulting.com.au.
Contact details for any Questions/Enquiries: Jenny Fung at jfung@leviconsulting.com.au
Legal Research Assistant — 12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers
Seeking a Legal Research Assistant for two barristers (Senior Junior and Senior Counsel) at 12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers.
The role provides invaluable exposure to a legal environment, particularly for those with an interest in litigation. 12 Wentworth Selborne is a pre-eminent chambers located next to the Supreme Court and Federal Court.
This role is ideal for a student currently completing their LLB or JD qualification. It is on a casual basis working 3 days a week with flexibility for study leave during exam/assessment periods. The hours typically range between 6.5-8 hours a day.
Role description/duties:
Legal research on novel and emerging areas of law (authorities, judgments, legislation)
Transcribing dictations including letters, draft submissions, advices, memorandums, chronologies, etc.
Drafting, proofing and formatting of legal documentation
Liaising with clients, barristers and solicitors in person and via email, telephone and written correspondence
Financial management of billing: creating/distributing client invoices, receipts and cost agreements
Diary management and general administrative tasks (printing, filing, organising briefs, coffee and lunch runs, etc.)
The successful applicant will have the following attributes:
Currently completing a Bachelor of Laws, in third or fourth year of study (note: not open to applicants in final year of study)
Strong academic record
Legal research skills and/or experience
Attention to detail
Understanding of confidentiality
Discreet (especially with finances)
Ability to work independently with common sense and initiative
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Start Date: 3/02/2025
Rate of Pay: Award rate
Employment Type: Casual
Application Deadline: 3/12/2024
How to Apply: Interested applicants should send their CV and expression of interest to Georgia Potter at gray.renwickpa@12thfloor.com.au by no later than 3 December 2024.
Contact details for any Questions/Enquiries: gray.renwickpa@12thfloor.com.au
Paralegal — Watson Cull Family Law
Provide legal and administrative support to a busy sole practitioner in Sydney’s CBD commencing in January 2025.
Watson Cull Family Law is a boutique family law firm based in Sydney’s CBD. Our Principal Solicitor, Jacqueline Cull, has 25 years of experience in the field. She opened her sole practice in 2023. She has expertise in property settlements and parenting matters. She is also a University of Sydney Alumna.
Your responsibilities would include:
Assisting the Principal Solicitor (Jacqueline Cull)
Drafting legal letters and documents
Corresponding with clients via telephone and email
Maintain digital and physical files and records
Assist with legal research
Draft and issue invoices
Criteria:
3rd or 4th year LLB student
Sound academic record
Strong administrative skills
Sound arithmetical skills
Can prioritize between multiple tasks and work to competing deadlines
Polite, professional communicator
Friendly, collegiate manner with colleagues
Has tact and discretion
Must be familiar with Windows OS, Microsoft suite, and Adobe
Familiarity with Smokeball or other legal software preferred but not necessary
Start Date: 10/02/2025
Rate of Pay: $35/hr
Employment Duration/Type: 1 year with a view to further time/Casual - Hours are 9 am-5 pm, 2 days a week
Application Deadline: 6/12/2024
How to Apply: Please send a CV, transcript, and a covering letter (addressed to Jacqueline Cull - telling us about you and your experience) to pgw@watsoncull.com.au before 11:59 pm on Friday 6 December 2024. Interviews will be conducted shortly after the application deadline.
Contact details for any Questions/Enquiries: pgw@watsoncull.com.au
PLT Students — Brander Smith McKnight Lawyers
Brander Smith McKnight Lawyers are looking for PLT students for our Sutherland office.
We are a well respected generalist law firm with highly experienced lawyers based in Sutherland with offices also in Parramatta, Wollongong and Sydney.
Our main areas of law are Construction, Commercial and Business, Civil Litigation, Property, Criminal, Family and Wills and Estates.
We have flexible PLT arrangements, a very friendly and collaborative team, modern offices and facilities, secure onsite parking and close to public transport.
Ideal Start Date: 18/11/2024
Rate of Pay: Unpaid
Employment Duration: 2 months
Application Deadline: 20/12/2025
How to Apply: Please send your covering letter and your resume to Dana Smith, Director at danasmith@bsmlaw.com.au.
Contact details for any Questions/Enquiries: danasmith@bsmlaw.com.au
Law Clerk / Junior Lawyer — Birchgrove Legal Pty Ltd
Birchgrove Legal Pty Ltd has a part time / full time opportunity for a law student / junior lawyer to join their growing corporate-commercial team, providing legal advice on commercial transactions (preparing and reviewing contracts – asset/share sale agreement, loan agreements, supply and distribution agreement, general service agreements, and terms and conditions etc) and corporate matters (ASIC company registrations, advising boards, board and shareholder structuring (and restructuring), board and general meeting procedure, constitutions, shareholder agreements etc).
The full job description and information on how to apply can be found here.
Paralegal — National Justice Project
The NJP is offering a part-time fixed-term Paralegal job for a law student or soon-to-be lawyer. The successful candidate will be offered a 12-month contract, to be based in Sydney, NSW.
The full job description and information on how to apply can be found here.
Construction Lawyers — Vincent Young
Specialist construction lawyer roles in an award-winning legal practice specialising in construction, property and commercial/insolvency law. Roles are for Law graduates devoted to long-term careers as construction law specialists, and for existing Lawyers at all levels who have substantial construction law experience and want more opportunities to grow. Great pay and conditions. Dynamic, diverse and collegiate team. Convenient and pleasant Sydney CBD office.
Criteria: Energy, drive and resilience | Agile problem-solving capabilities | Excellent written and oral communication skills | The ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines | Attention to detail | A proactive, can-do attitude
Ideal Start Date: 1/12/2024
Rate of Pay: Market rates or higher
Employment Duration/Type: Full-time permanent
Application Deadline: 30/6/2025
How to Apply: Please send your application to hr@vincentyoung.com.au marked in the subject field 'APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION LAWYER'. Please include a cover letter that summarises why you are a fit, an up-to-date CV, and your academic transcript.
Contact details for any Questions/Enquiries: stephanie.thompson@vincentyoung.com.au
Office Junior/Administrative Assistant — Chalfont Chambers
Chalfont Chambers is looking for an Office Junior or Administrative Assistant to assist with tasks in barristers’ chambers ideally 2-3 days a week, with availability on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Duties would include, but are not limited to: answering phones, meeting and greeting solicitors and clients, photocopying, taking trolleys to court, banking and filing as well as various other administrative tasks.
This position would be ideal for a 1st or 2nd year law student, interested in gaining a basic understanding of the legal profession and working in barristers’ chambers.
The successful candidate will have the following:
A welcoming and confident telephone manner.
Strong communication skills.
An ability to work autonomously and with discretion.
Attention to detail.
Initiative and enthusiasm.
Microsoft office competency.
Previous office experience is advantageous but not required.
Start Date: 2/12/2024
Rate of Pay: Above award
Employment Type: Casual
How to Apply: Please send academic transcript and CV to the Clerk, Matthew Pickles (clerk@chalfont.com.au) at Chalfont Chambers.
Contact details for any Questions/Enquiries: Matthew Pickles - clerk@chalfont.com.au
Practical Legal Training (PLT) — Alton Legal
Alton Legal is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic law students looking to gain practical experience.
In this role, you will gain exposure to various aspects of law practice, including:
Taking client instructions.
Conducting legal research and analysis.
Drafting legal documents
Other administrative and clerical duties.
Please note this role is an unpaid fulltime volunteer position. However, our solicitors are often employed directly from the PLT pool, and as such there may well be a prospect of employment as a junior solicitor following the completion of your PLT placement.
Criteria:
Be motivated, pro-active, can-do attitude
Have strong problem-solving skills
Display good organisation and time management skills
Ability to be independent and work as a team
Mandarin/Cantonese speaking
Rate of Pay: Unpaid
Employment Type: Casual/Part-time ongoing
How to Apply: To learn more about this opportunity or to make an application, please send your CV with a cover letter to szhang@alton.legal.
Contact details for any Questions/Enquiries: szhang@alton.legal
Legal Receptionist — Samuel Griffiths Chambers
A full-time legal receptionist is required for a leading Sydney Criminal Barristers’ Chambers located in the CBD. The hours are 9:00am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday. Please note this is a full-time position.
This position would ideally suit a law student, who has recently commenced their studies and is looking to gain practical experience in the administrative and legal workings of Chambers. The role will allow the student time to study and complete assignments during working hours as well as leniency with time off for exams, but only as long as the reception duties are treated as their first priority.
Our current receptionist will be leaving mid-January, and ideally, we would like to have a replacement by the new year in order to begin training.
The successful applicant must be efficient, proactive, diligent and discrete.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Answering all phone calls
Meeting and greeting Barristers, Solicitors and clients
The ability to deal with a broad range of clients
Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Dropbox and intermediate computer skills
Typing, printing, photocopying and filing
Occasional research
Dealing with briefs in a discrete manner including receiving, copying and disposal
General administrative assistance to the Barristers and to the Clerk of Chambers
Start Date: 15/01/2025
Rate of Pay: Salary will be in accordance with the Legal Services Award (2020) or above depending on the age and experience of the candidate.
Employment Duration/Type: 12 months, Full-time
Application Deadline: 30/11/2024
How to Apply: To apply, please email Adrienne McLoon, Clerk of Chambers, at clerk@sgchambers.com.au with a Cover Letter, CV and academic transcript if possible.
Contact details for any Questions/Enquiries: Please email any questions or enquiries to Adrienne McLoon, Clerk of Chambers, at clerk@sgchambers.com.au.