Legal Opportunities

Last updated 8/7/2025

Personal Assistant to Barrister — Nine Wentworth Chambers

This is a casual/part-time position involving at least 15 hours per week spread over 2 or 3 days within a job-share arrangement with another PA. There is some flexibility in hours offered to accommodate the uni schedule of the successful candidate each semester/trimester. The PA role will involve:

  • management of daily operations of a busy practice

  • management of professional and personal affairs of the barrister

  • diary management

  • paralegal duties

  • transcribing dictation, amending and proofreading advices, submissions and other documents

  • liaising with instructing solicitors, barristers and other personnel

  • basic bookkeeping and assistance with quarterly BAS and financial year income tax return

  • liaising on IT/troubleshooting computer and other technical issues

  • other ad hoc tasks and projects as required

  • exposure to varied and interesting cases in chambers and in court.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • at least 2 years of undergraduate law under their belt (i.e. LLB or JD student in their second year of law course)

  • availability to work at least 15 hours spread over 2 or 3 days per week

  • excellent verbal and written communication skills - excellent time management skills

  • Mac proficient with intermediate to advanced skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

  • the ability to work under limited supervision, take initiative, effectively prioritise and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment

  • a mature, can-do attitude and an enthusiastic approach to learning on the job

  • previous administrative/paralegal experience, a sense of humour and interest in food and wine is not necessary but desirable.

Please send your CV (Word or PDF) to williamsassistant@ninewentworth.com.au or contact Mia Rea at (02) 8815 9215 for a confidential discussion regarding this role.

Application Deadline: 16 July 2025

Tipstaff — Land and Environment Court of NSW

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 registry and the legal profession, and other tasks that facilitate the smooth running of his Honour’s chambers.

The position will commence at the beginning of the 2026 Law Term (being, 27 January 2026) and the tipstaff is required to serve in the role for a period of 12 months (to 22 January 2027). 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. 

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.

 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.

Start Date: 27 January 2026

Type of Job Legal/Non-legal/Volunteer: Legal (12 months of post-university experience working in legal practice required)

Duration/Employment Type: 12-month contract (full time)

Rate of Pay: Crown Employees (Tipstaves to Judges) Award

Application Deadline: 28 July 2025

Contact Details: Applications and further enquiries should be directed via email to Ms Pippin Pritchard, Associate to the Honourable Justice John Robson. Phone: 02 9113 8271. Email:  pippin.pritchard@courts.nsw.gov.au   

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

Criminal Law Paralegal — George Sten & Co Criminal Lawyers

George Sten & Co is a specialised firm of Sydney Criminal Lawyers based in the central business district of Sydney, Australia. The firm was established in 1967 by George Sten and is comprised of Senior Lawyers, Paralegals and Support Staff. George Sten & Co are a one of the longest established Criminal Law Firms in Sydney. We only practice in Criminal Law and are experts in our field, our case history and results speak for themselves. Our Sydney Criminal Lawyers appear in all Courts in NSW. We are seeking a 2nd or 3rd-year student to join our team as a Criminal Law Paralegal. This role offers the opportunity to gain experience in the legal field, with responsibilities including providing administrative support, managing case files, liaising with clients, and assisting solicitors in preparing for a variety of complex criminal defence matters.

We are looking for applicants who are interested in pursuing a career in criminal law. Applicants should have strong written and verbal communication and attention to detail.

Please email your CV, cover letter and transcript to georgesten@criminal-lawyer.com.au

Associate — District Court of NSW

Her Honour Judge Shead SC is seeking expressions of interest to fill the role of Associate in 2026 and 2027. Her Honour presides in the criminal jurisdiction of the District Court of New South Wales, the largest trial court in Australia. The role will commence in January 2026 and the position will be for one to two years, depending on suitability, interest and availability. The official advertisement is linked here.

Description of Role: The Associate’s role is to provide high-level legal and administrative support. The Associate is responsible for managing her Honour’s Chambers and is the first point of contact for all members of the public and the profession. The role encompasses assisting her Honour with complex legal research, drafting, in-court duties, and general day-to-day administrative tasks. Her Honour primarily sits in the Sydney Downing Centre but may travel to regional courts.

Applications: The deadline for applications is 31 July 2025. Interviews will take place in August 2025. All applications should be forwarded to her Honour’s current Associate, Georgia Bunz, at associatetojudgeshead@courts.nsw.gov.au, enclosing a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and an up-to-date academic transcript. If you have any questions about the application process or the role, please contact Ms Bunz.

Criteria: Candidates who apply for the position should be able to demonstrate the following skills and requirements:

  • completion of a degree (by December 2025);

  • an interest in criminal law, evidence law and advocacy;

  • the ability to maintain absolute confidentiality and discretion;

  • excellent attention to detail;

  • good interpersonal skills;

  • outstanding organisational skills and an ability to cope under pressure;

  • superior written and oral communication skills; and

  • basic mathematical and technological skills.

The successful applicant will be as comfortable making a cup of tea as they will be drafting complex legal work. The general position description is available at: https://www.districtcourt.nsw.gov.au/district-court/about-us/careers.html.

Start Date: 27 January 2026

Duration: 1-2 years (full-time)

Application Deadline: 31 July 2025

All applications should be forwarded to her Honour’s current Associate, Georgia Bunz, at associatetojudgeshead@courts.nsw.gov.au

Student Scholar — Australian Centre for Climate and Environmental Law

The Australian Centre for Climate and Environmental Law (ACCEL) is recruiting two Student Scholars for Semester 2, 2025. These roles are paid positions. The ACCEL Student Scholars Program is a unique opportunity for senior law students to gain hands-on research experience while contributing to real-world environmental law and policy reform. Working with leading public interest organisations across Australia and the Pacific, scholars will undertake targeted projects that support climate justice and evidence-based law reform. The primary output of each research project will be a research report prepared for and delivered to the partner organisation. In 2025, the ACCEL Student Scholars Program will partner with the Environmental Defender's Office.

  1. Currently enrolled at Sydney Law School and:

    • In year 4/5 or 5/6 of the Combined Law (LLB program); or

    • In year 3 of the Juris Doctor (JD) program.

  2. Must have a strong overall academic record.

  3. Must have a demonstrated interest in climate and environmental law.

    • For LLB/JD students, it is not required but would be an advantage to have completed Environmental Law (LAWS3430/5130).

  4. Each student scholar must be available to work for a total of 7 hours per week over a 10-week period in Semester 2. 

Students who completed their studies at the end of Semester 1 (2025) are not eligible to apply.

Start Date: 4 August 2025

Application Deadline: 23 July 2025

Rate of Pay: $56.85 per hour (comprised of a $45.46 base rate + 25% casual loading). ACCEL's Student Scholars will be hired as casual professional staff at HEO4, Step 1.

Questions/Enquiries: law.research@sydney.edu.au

Complete the application form via the Law Student Portal on Canvas: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/internships-australian-centre-for-climate-and-environmental-law

Student Paid Intern — Sydney Health Law

Sydney Health Law is recruiting up to 3 highly motivated students to work as interns during Semester 2, 2025. These roles are paid positions. SHL interns will prepare a consultancy report for the Public Health Division of the Pacific Community (SPC) on options to strengthen food safety legislation to better promote healthy diets, reduce nutritional risk factors, and prevent NCDs in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Interns will also present their findings to SPC staff at the completion of the internship. This project offers students the opportunity to engage with a current, health law challenge within the Pacific region and to contribute to the work of an international development organisation. Students with strong analytical, writing, and communication skills are encouraged to apply.

  1. Currently enrolled at Sydney Law School and:

    • in year 4/5 or 5/6 of the Combined Law (LLB program); or

    • in year 2 or 3 of the Juris Doctor (JD) program; or

    • undertaking a Sydney Law School postgraduate degree e.g. Master of Health Law.

    • Students who completed their studies at the end of Semester 1 (2025) are not eligible to apply.

  2. Must have a strong overall academic record.

  3. Must have strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.

  4. Must be available to work for a total of 60 hours over the course of Semester 2. Given the time and effort required for this project, the SHL internship is not suitable for students with a substantial workload from other commitments.

Start Date: 4 August 2025

Rate of Pay: $61.44 per hour (comprised of a $49.15 base rate + 25% casual loading). Sydney Health Law interns will be hired as casual professional staff at HEO5, Step 1.

Application Deadline: 20 July 2025

Questions/Enquiries: law.research@sydney.edu.au

Complete the application form via the Law Student Portal on Canvas - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/internships-sydney-health-law

Paralegal — Resolve Litigation Lawyers

You will assist lawyers, senior lawyers and directors with legal tasks including: preparing briefs to Counsel; drafting court documents and compiling evidence and exhibits; drafting advice and legal correspondence; undertaking legal research; communicating with other team members, Court staff and clients; and providing assistance with the day-to-day carriage of matters, as well as helping lawyers prepare for Court hearings and meetings with Counsel.

Criteria:

  • excellent organisational and time management skills;

  • strong written communication skills;

  • excellent attention to detail;

  • excellent interpersonal and collaborative abilities; and

  • good clerical, basic drafting, researching and proofreading skills.

Ideal Start Date: 15 August 2025

Rate of Pay: $30-$40

Employment Type: Casual

Application Deadline: 31 July 2025

Email CV and Academic Transcript to hugo.hosie@rllawyers.com.au

Additional information can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4259984909/

Associate — Supreme Court of Western Australia

The Honourable Justice Mitchell is currently accepting applications for the position of Tipstaff at the Supreme Court of Western Australia. Further details can be found here.

Tipstaff — Supreme Court of NSW

The Honourable Justice McNaughton is currently accepting applications for the position of Tipstaff at the Supreme Court of New South Wales. A Tipstaff’s duties include legal research, proof reading and assisting with the preparation of judgments and generally assisting the Judge in the discharge of her Honour’s duties both in and out of Court. There are two positions available: one commencing January 2027, and the other in October 2027. Applications close in December 2025. Further details can be found here.

Tipstaff — Land and Environment Court of NSW

The Land and Environment Court is seeking expressions of interest from people interested in being a tipstaff in 2026. There is an announcement on the court’s website which includes a link with all the details on how to apply: https://lec.nsw.gov.au/news-and-announcements/expressions-of-interest---tipstaff-positions-in-2026.html.

Paid Internship — HSF Kramer (Hong Kong)

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Hong Kong is offering 3-month paid internship opportunities (Jan-Mar 2026 / Apr-Jun 2026) to graduate and post-graduate students. Please find further details here.

Tipstaff — Supreme Court of NSW

The Honourable Acting Justice Elkaim is currently accepting applications for the position of Tipstaff at the Supreme Court of New South Wales. A Tipstaff’s duties include legal research, proof reading and assisting with the preparation of judgments and generally assisting the Judge in the discharge of his Honour’s duties both in and out of Court. The appointment is for one year from mid-January, 2026 to late December, 2026. Further details can be found here.

Associate — District Court of NSW

His Honour Judge Montgomery of the District Court of New South Wales is accepting applications for the position of Associate in 2026. Details of the position and requirements are outlined here, with the commencement date to be 9 February 2026 (subject to change). His Honour presides over both civil and criminal cases.

Application Deadline: 29 August 2025