Legal Opportunities
Last updated 25/09/2026
Tipstaff - Land and Environment Court of NSW
Description: Applications are invited for the position of tipstaff to the Honourable Justice John Robson of the Land and Environment Court of NSW.
The role of the tipstaff is to provide a high level of legal and administrative support to his Honour and involves court work, legal research, assistance in the preparation of judgments, liaising with the Court’s registry and the legal profession, and other tasks that facilitate the smooth running of his Honour’s chambers.
Further general information about the role, the employment requirements, and the application process can be found on the Land and Environment Court’s Careers webpage: https://lec.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers.html#Tipstaff0
Criteria: Applicants must have a strong academic record (distinction average), excellent legal research and drafting skills, and preferably 12 months of post-university experience working in legal practice.
Applicants should address the following selection criteria in their covering letter:
highly developed legal research, conceptual and analytical skills;
excellent writing skills; and
strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
Duration: 12-month contract (full time). The position will commence at the beginning of the 2027 Law Term (being, 1 February 2027) with mandatory orientation and training to be held on 28 and 29 January 2027. The tipstaff is required to serve in the role for a period of 12 months (to approximately, 25 January 2028).
How to apply: Applications should include:
covering letter addressed to the Honourable Justice John Robson;
curriculum vitae;
current academic transcript;
details of two referees; and
short example of written work in commercial, administrative or environmental law.
Applications and further enquiries should be directed via email to:
Ms Pippin Pritchard, Associate to the Honourable Justice John Robson
T: 02 9113 8271
E: robsonjassociate@courts.nsw.gov.au
Rate of Pay: $73,930 (plus superannuation and leave loading) as per Crown Employees (Tipstaves to Judges) Award (2022).
Application deadline: Closing date for applications is Friday, 16 October 2026
First Nations Graduate Solicitor - Justice and Equity Centre / Makinson d’Apice
Description: Makinson d’Apice and the Justice and Equity Centre (JEC) have partnered to provide this unique opportunity for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander lawyer to undertake casework, strategic litigation and law reform at the JEC.
Makinson d’Apice is one of Australia’s oldest firms which has successfully evolved and adapted to meet the challenges of being a trusted legal adviser in a modern world. The successful candidate will be employed by Makinson d’Apice and work at the JEC full time, 5 days per week, under a secondment arrangement.
The First Nations Graduate Solicitor will work with lawyers and policy officers across the JEC’s Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS) and Strategic Litigation team. You will:
provide legal assistance, including advice and legal casework in criminal and civil law.
contribute to policy and law reform work, including through research and drafting
submissions, reports and articles.
implement legal and policy advocacy strategies to address barriers to justice and fairness for marginalised communities.
Criteria: They are seeking an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Lawyer with 0-3 years post qualification experience. You will also have:
well-developed interpersonal skills.
strong legal, technical and drafting skills.
the ability to manage competing demands and deliver high-quality results on time.
the ability to deliver excellent client service.
Duration: full-time, 24-months.
How to apply: Please send your Cover Letter and CV to jobs@jec.org.au, including ‘Makinson d’Apice Graduate Solicitor’ in the subject field.
Rate of Pay: $84,285 to $105,296 (pro rata where applicable) plus superannuation.
Contact for Questions: jobs@jec.org.au
Application Deadline: 2 November 2026
Assistant Legal Researcher - Specialist Law
Description: Specialist Law are seeking a motivated, high-achieving third year, penultimate or final-year law student to join their team as an assistant legal researcher. This role offers hands-on experience in a busy Sydney practice who specialises in Tax Law, working closely with senior solicitors and directors. It is an exceptional opportunity for an aspiring lawyer to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical legal experience.
Criteria:
Currently enrolled in an LLB or JD (ideally in your 4th or final year of study) at a Sydney-based university.
Strong academic record.
Exceptional written skills.
Meticulous attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
Duration: Casual.
How to apply: Send cover letter, CV and academic transcript to office@specialistlaw.com.au
Rate of Pay: To be discussed during interview
Contact for Questions: office@specialistlaw.com.au
Solicitor I-III Graduate Program (Aboriginal Identified) - Legal Aid NSW
Description: This two-year Graduate Program is part of the Judge Bob Bellear Aboriginal Legal Career Pathways Program, designed to help you build a strong, well rounded legal career at Legal Aid. Across the program you will undertake two structured placements in Civil, Family, and/or Criminal Law practice areas.
Criteria:
Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. You must be able to demonstrate your Aboriginality in your application.
Be willing to do a Criminal Record Check and Working with Children Check
Have legal qualifications
Be admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in NSW
Provide a current NSW Practising Certificate before you start work with us
Duration: 2 year temporary full-time contract
How to apply: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/aboriginal-identified-solicitor-i-iii-graduate-program-598767
Rate of Pay: $93,413.00 + super
Application Deadline: 5 October 2026
Contact for Questions: Hiring Manager – Lucinda Walder, Senior Solicitor on (02) 6768 4907 or email: lucinda.walder@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Associate - Supreme Court of Western Australia
Description: Applications are invited for the position as Associate to the Honourable Justice Sweeney at the Supreme Court of Western Australia, Court of Appeal. The successful applicant will be required to undertake legal research and produce written work for the Judge. There are also requirements to carry out administrative functions in preparation for Court sittings and to attend in Court and act as a Judicial Support Officer.
Service in this position may fulfil the work experience component of Practical Legal Training courses approved by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. Applicants should make their own enquiries in this regard. Applicants who are already admitted lawyers and would welcome the experience of working as an Associate are also encouraged to apply.
When considering whether this role is right for you, it is important to consider the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The Court deals with serious criminal offences, including homicide offences, as well as High Risk Serious Offenders. In the course of their duties, Associates will encounter materials (including but not limited to photographs, videos, written statements, and oral evidence) associated with these charges. This material may be confronting and/or distressing. The Court is committed to reducing exposure to these materials for staff wherever possible and the Department of Justice offers services and resources to support staff.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and graduates are encouraged to apply.
Criteria:
A law degree, or nearly completed law degree;
A high level of academic achievement (Honours or equivalent is desirable, but not essential);
High-level research, analytical and editorial skills;
Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills.
Duration: The associateship will commence on 4 January 2027. The advertised position is contracted to 31 December 2027, with the possibility of an extension for a further 12 months.
How to apply: Applications should include a:
covering letter;
curriculum vitae; and
current academic transcript (or a certified copy).
If your application is sent by email, please scan your academic transcript. You may be required to bring the original if you are invited to attend an interview.
Please send application by email to:
Ms Jessie Quinn
Associate to the Hon Justice Sweeney
Supreme Court of Western Australia
28 Barrack Street
PERTH WA 6000
Email: Associate.Justice.Sweeney@justice.wa.gov.au
Rate of Pay: Level 2.4 under the Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024
Application Deadline: Applications close at 12pm on Friday 23 October 2026 (AWST)
Paralegal - Pro-Invest Group
Description: Pro-invest Group’s businesses are across three industries: (1) fund and asset management; (2) operations; and (3) hotel and commercial real estate development (https://www.proinvestgroup.com/). Such unique businesses bring a diversity of interesting work and is the perfect opportunity for a Paralegal to launch and grow their career in an in-house legal environment.
The Pro-invest Group Paralegal role is targeting a second year plus Combined Law student to support the legal, compliance and governance team across legal and administrative duties with a primary focus on the company secretarial and governance function. The role will involve supporting the various Boards and Committees of the Group including with resolution drafting, ASIC, NZ and Cayman Companies Office filings and compliance, board and committee agenda and minutes, board packs and other corporate law matters to support the proper governance of the organisation.
Working 2 to 3 days per week or more, Pro-invest Group is able to offer flexible working arrangements to cater an individual’s study commitments.
Criteria: The successful candidate will meet the following criteria:
Studying Combined Law from an Australian University and be in their second year or greater.
Australian Citizenship or PR (incl. NZ Citizens)
Positive and progressive mindset, entrepreneurial and ambitious personality.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Advanced document and presentation skills (Word and PowerPoint and AI).
Self-motivated and driven to succeed with the willingness to work as part of a high-performance team.
Duration: Casual.
How to apply: Please email your CV to pnc@proinvestgroup.com. For more information, please contact our Irene Pavlou on 02 9237 6900.
Rate of Pay: Award.
Associate - District Court of New South Wales
Description: His Honour Judge Montgomery of the District Court of New South Wales is accepting applications for the position of Associate in 2027. Details of the position and requirements are outlined below, with the commencement date to be 25 January 2027 (subject to change). His Honour presides over both civil and criminal cases.
The primary purpose of the role is to support the operations of the District Court of New South Wales by providing administrative, organisational and executive support to Judge Montgomery in chambers and in the courtroom. Key responsibilities and duties include:
Accurately record judicial decisions and orders on the Department’s JusticeLink system and court files;
Release judgments to the internet and the parties, including publishing judgements on NSW Caselaw;
Diary, chambers and court file management;
Correspondence, memoranda and judgment preparation;
Court document and exhibit management;
Administration of court proceedings;
Arraign accused persons, empanel juries, and take verdicts;
Telephone and personal interface between the Judge, other judges, the profession, the public and others;
Dictation, word processing and operation of computer (personal and network) systems;
Liaison with appropriate departmental support services;
Organisation for/of circuit travel;
Official and community interaction;
Office support and logistics;
Legal research, filing, notations, collections and production of documentation.
Criteria: The position demands initiative and dedication to the provision of high-quality executive assistance in a challenging work environment. It requires an acute appreciation of the confidential nature of information which Associates become privy to. Discretion, tact and strong administrative and communicative skills are essential. Additional to the specific nature of tasks assigned by the Judge, an Associate will spend much time communicating with other judges, the legal profession, Registry staff and Court staff to minimise delay and cost and, importantly, to make the Judge’s role an easier one.
Ideal candidates will also have a strong academic record, preferably having at least a distinction average and/or honours in legal subjects in their tertiary legal qualifications.
Location: The District Court of New South Wales, John Maddison Tower, 86 90 Goulburn Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. However, his Honour is likely to sit in Parramatta, Newcastle and/or on circuit sittings throughout regional NSW.
Duration: 12 months, full-time (9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, plus additional hours (highly likely) according to the workload of chambers). This position is available for commencement on 25 January 2027 (subject to change).
How to apply: If you meet the above requirements and are interested in applying for the position of Associate to his Honour Judge Montgomery, please forward a copy of your CV, a cover letter and your academic transcript(s) via email to his Honour’s current Associate, Andrew Jenkins, at ChambersofJudgeMontgomery@courts.nsw.gov.au on or before 31 October 2026.
Rate of Pay: $102,936 + super
Application Deadline: 31 October 2026.
Associate - Supreme Court of Western Australia
Description: Applications are invited for the position of Associate to the Hon Justice Palmer at the Supreme Court of Western Australia, General Division. The successful applicant will be required to undertake legal research and produce written work for a Judge. There are also requirements to carry out administrative functions in preparation for Court sittings and to attend in Court and act as a Judicial Support Officer.
Service in this position may fulfil the work experience component of Practical Legal Training courses approved by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. Applicants should make their own enquiries in this regard. Applicants who have already been admitted to practice as a lawyer and would welcome the experience of working as an Associate are also encouraged to apply.
When considering whether this role is right for you, it is important to consider the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The Court deals with serious criminal offences, including homicide offences, as well as High Risk Serious Offenders. In the course of their duties, Associates will encounter materials (including but not limited to photographs, videos, written statements, and oral evidence) associated with these charges. This material may be confronting and/or distressing. The Court is committed to reducing exposure to these materials for staff wherever possible and the Department of Justice offers services and resources to support staff.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and graduates are encouraged to apply.
Criteria: Prospective applicants should possess the following attributes:
A law degree, or nearly completed law degree;
A high level of academic achievement (Honours or equivalent is desirable, but not essential);
High-level research and analytical skills;
Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills; and
Editorial skills are an advantage.
Duration: This position is available for commencement on 1 February 2027. The position is contracted to 31 December 2027, with the possibility of extension for another 12 months.
How to apply: If your application is sent by email, please scan your academic transcript (or a certified copy). You may be required to bring the original if you are invited to attend an interview. Please send applications by email or post to the addresses outlined below.
Please send applications by email to:
Ms Vidushi Sinha
Associate to the Hon Justice Palmer
Supreme Court of Western Australia
28 Barrack Street
PERTH WA 6000
Email: Associate.Justice.Palmer@justice.wa.gov.au
ph: (08) 9421 5481
Rate of Pay: Level 2.4 under the Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024
Application Deadline: Applications close at 12pm on Friday 23 October 2026 (AWST)
Australian National Internships Program (ANIP)
Description: ANIP internships are open to current undergraduate and postgraduate students from all academic disciplines. ANIP is the only university program that offers Commonwealth Parliamentary Internships to students from across Australia. Interns are based in the offices of MPs and Senators and undertake a research project while engaging with a range of activities that shape national policy making. Placements are for one, two or four days per week and the ANIP course includes workshops on policy research and professional skills.
Applications for ANIP Internships for Semester 1 2027 (for placements in February to May) are now open and will close on 30 September 2026.
For more information on criteria and how to apply, see the following link: https://anip.anu.edu.au/
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
Research Assistant - State Chambers
Description: Dr Sean Baron Levi is seeking one outstanding law student to assist with research and drafting on a continuing basis.
Dr Sean Baron Levi is a barrister at State Chambers in Sydney. His practice covers commercial law and equity, corporations, property, conflict of laws, the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards, and public international law, together with a criminal practice in white collar and corporate crime, work health and safety, international criminal law and extradition. He appears regularly in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the Federal Court, both unled and as junior to senior counsel. He also teaches law and is writing a textbook in the area.
You will prepare detailed memoranda in the form of first drafts of written submissions, advices, etc, which he will review and settle, often on questions where the authorities do not point one way. You will be expected to resolve the question rather than survey it. You may also draft sections of academic work, including a textbook. This is high-level research and drafting work rather than administrative work.
The engagement is ongoing rather than a single project, with hours arranged around your study commitments, with more available during vacation. He will provide a reference for tipstaff, associate and graduate applications, and he acknowledges research assistance in published academic work.
Criteria:
Academic record: You are enrolled in the LLB or JD, preferably in the later years of the degree, and hold a high distinction average. Identify any prizes, Dean's List placements, scholarships or comparable recognition.
Written expression: You write precisely and economically, and you can construct an argument in the form a court will accept rather than in the form an essay marker will accept.
Research capability: You can find the governing authority on an unfamiliar question, read it properly, and state what it decides and what it does not decide. You can locate authorities dealing with novel factual and legal issues.
Judgment: You reach a view and defend it, and you will tell me plainly when a proposition is not supported by authority.
Independence and reliability: You work unsupervised, meet deadlines without being chased, and raise difficulties early rather than late.
Discretion: You understand the obligations of confidentiality attaching to court documents, client instructions and privileged material, and you will be required to sign an undertaking.
Duration: Ongoing casual
Rate of Pay: $70/hr
How to apply: Email to: baronlevi@statechambers.net
2026/27 Winter Vacation Placement (Hong-Kong) - Pinsent Masons
Description: Pinsent Masons is a leading international law firm with over 40 years of experience in Hong Kong. They are one of the are the largest and best-known legal teams providing tailored solutions for the infrastructure and technology sectors in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region.
They are currently recruiting law students who intend to return to Hong Kong and pursue qualification as solicitors upon graduation to join their 3-week 2026/27 Winter Vacation Placement Programme. Successful candidates will be considered for future Training Contract opportunities commencing from 2027 onwards.
Application Window: 1 August 2026 — 15 October 2026 (note: interviews and offers are extended on a rolling basis)
Contact for Questions: If you have any questions, please free feel to reach out Pinsent Mason’s Hong Kong Graduate Recruitment Team at graduatehk@pinsentmasons.com
For further details on key criteria, eligibility and the application process, please refer to Pinsent Mason’s website: https://www.pinsentmasons.com/careers/early-talent/china-hong-kong/winter-vacation-placement#1
Paralegal - Harrow Legal
Description: Harrow Legal is looking for a motivated and reliable Paralegal/Law Clerk to join their growing legal team. This position is ideal for a law student who has completed at least their third year of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB or JD) and is looking to gain valuable practical experience while continuing their studies.
In this role, you will assist their solicitors with a variety of legal and administrative tasks, including preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, managing files, liaising with clients, and supporting the day-to-day operation of the firm. You will have the opportunity to work across different areas of law and develop the practical skills needed for a successful legal career.
The ideal candidate is organised, has strong attention to detail, communicates professionally, and can manage their time effectively. A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on legal experience in a supportive and professional environment while building a strong foundation for your future career in law.
Criteria:
Currently studying a Bachelor of Laws (LLB or JD) and has completed a minimum of third year.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Professional presentation and a positive attitude.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook and Excel).
Strong work ethic with a willingness to learn and take initiative.
High level of professionalism and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Previous experience in a legal office is desirable but not essential
Duration: Casual
Rate of Pay: $25-31/hr
How to apply: Email reception@harrowlegal.com.au
Contact for Questions: Tanya Zaarour - (02) 9001 5800
Graduate/Junior Solicitor - DLH Solicitors
Description: DLH Solicitors is looking for a graduate/junior solicitor to join their growing team. This is a rare opportunity to join Mudgee's premier legal firm and hone skills across all areas of law.
Criteria:
DLH is looking for:
Ambitious solicitors looking to grow their legal knowledge & skills.
Graduate or one-year post-admission experience desired.
Must hold a relevant Bachelor of Law degree, be admitted to the NSW Supreme Court & hold a current practising certificate.
Previous experience in family law, conveyancing & succession law is desirable, but not essential.
Duration: Full-time
How to apply: Please email CV and resume to sally@dlhsolicitors.com.au