2026-2027 Paralegal Register - Indigenous Affirmative Measure

Commonwealth Treasury; Canberra; On-site; AUD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Commonwealth Treasury is offering student paralegal positions for First Nations Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students in Canberra and Sydney. The roles are casual, designed for someone in the second to final year of law studies, with 1–2 days per week and flexibility during exams.

As a student paralegal you will gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to diverse Law Division functions, including legal research, drafting support, and international tax treaty work.

Qualifications

• Second to final year law student or beyond.
• Interest in meaningful and impactful work.
• Willingness to work approximately one to two days per week and flexibility for study commitments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research to support Treasury officers and stakeholders.
• Instruct legislative drafters and review draft legislation.
• Develop explanatory material and provide assistance in legal advice.

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Student Paralegal Positions (Affirmative Measures – Aboriginal Employment)

• Are you an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law student in your second to final year of university studies or beyond?
• Are you interested in being involved in meaningful and impactful work?
• Want to join a positive culture and receive support and mentoring and achieve work-study balance?

About the positions:

The Treasury is seeking First Nations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) law students to join our Law Division as paralegals.

If you have a passion for shaping policy that impacts all Australians, Treasury can help nurture these interests. We will tailor your paralegal opportunities to enable you to use your knowledge, skills and lived experience to your full potential.

Treasury is committed to increasing First Nations representation and engagement, recognising the vital contributions First Nations peoples bring across economic, cultural and organisational domains. We value the unique perspectives that you will bring. By joining us, you will help strengthen Treasury’s knowledge, understanding and respect for First Nations cultures, and contribute to ensuring our work reflects the Australian population we serve.

These casual positions would suit students in their second to final year of law studies (a Bachelor of Laws or a Juris Doctor) with the roles requiring work of around one to two days a week and further work possibly available during semester breaks. We offer flexibility to support exam periods and other study commitments. The positions are Canberra and Sydney based located at the Treasury Offices.

Successful candidates will be provided with induction, training and mentoring support and access to professional networking opportunities. Employment will start as soon as practicable following the completion of the required pre-employment screening, including obtaining an Australian Government security clearance.

Student paralegals should be willing to undertake work across the range of Law Division functions. This is an entry level role, and there are no prerequisite knowledge requirements. Treasury is committed to supporting you succeed. You’ll learn on the job through hands on experience, guidance from supportive colleagues, and access to training opportunities. We focus on building capability through real work and regular feedback, ensuring you can grow your skills with confidence. If you’re enthusiastic, motivated to learn, and keen to contribute, we’ll teach you the rest.

As a student paralegal you may:

• Conduct legal research tasks to support Treasury officer’s engagement with stakeholders including:
• instructing Office of Parliamentary Counsel legislative drafters,
• reviewing draft legislation,
• developing explanatory material, and
• support the provision of legal advice.
• Support Treasury staff in the development of international taxation treaties.
• Assist to manage litigation by helping to prepare court documents and engaging in discovery processes.