Criminal Defence Lawyer

Baybridge Lawyers; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Regular court appearances

Direct client responsibility

Mentoring from senior practitioner

Job summary

Baybridge Lawyers, a Sydney-based law firm, seeks a hands-on solicitor to handle regular court appearances and direct client responsibility across criminal, traffic and regulatory matters. You will work with the Head of Crime, taking ownership from conference to resolution.

The role offers exposure to NSW Local Court proceedings, bail applications, sentence matters and regulatory cases, with strong mentoring and opportunities to develop expertise within a growing criminal practice.

Qualifications

• Admission as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
• Current NSW Practising Certificate.
• Demonstrated interest in criminal and traffic law.
• Experience appearing in the NSW Local Court.
• Strong written advocacy and client communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• The ability to manage court deadlines and competing priorities.
• Sound knowledge of criminal procedure, evidence and relevant NSW and Commonwealth legislation.
• A commitment to clear advice, client care and professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of criminal, traffic and regulatory law matters.
• Conduct client conferences and provide clear, strategic and practical legal advice.
• Develop effective defence strategies tailored to each client's circumstances.
• Draft court documents, submissions, legal correspondence and representations.
• Appear in court for bail applications, sentence matters, licence appeals, mentions and defended hearings.
• Prepare and conduct negotiations with Police Prosecutors, the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
• Brief and instruct counsel in proceedings.
• Maintain high standards of file management, compliance and client communication.
• Effectively manage court deadlines, competing priorities and client expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and referral partners.

Education

Admission as a Solicitor

Job description

Baybridge is a Sydney-based law firm with specialist practices across criminal law and a range of commercial sectors. We are building a firm where lawyers are known to their clients, trusted with responsibility and supported to develop their expertise.

This is a hands-on role for a lawyer who wants regular court appearances, direct client responsibility and exposure to a broad range of criminal, traffic and regulatory matters.

You will work directly with our Head of Crime while taking ownership of matters from initial conference through to resolution.

About the Role

You will manage a varied criminal law caseload and appear regularly in the NSW Local Court. Your work will include:

Criminal law proceedings in the Local, District and Supreme Courts.

Traffic and driving law matters, including licence appeals and serious traffic offences.

Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) proceedings.

Bail applications.

Sentence proceedings and defended hearings.

Appeals and conviction reviews.

Regulatory and quasi-criminal matters.

You will have direct client contact, responsibility for progressing your matters and practical support when you need it.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a diverse caseload of criminal, traffic and regulatory law matters.

Conduct client conferences and provide clear, strategic and practical legal advice.

Develop effective defence strategies tailored to each client's circumstances.

Draft court documents, submissions, legal correspondence and representations.

Appear in court for bail applications, sentence matters, licence appeals, mentions and defended hearings.

Prepare and conduct negotiations with Police Prosecutors, the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Brief and instruct counsel in proceedings.

Maintain high standards of file management, compliance and client communication.

Effectively manage court deadlines, competing priorities and client expectations.

Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and referral partners.

About You

Admission as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Current NSW Practising Certificate.

Demonstrated interest in criminal and traffic law.

Experience appearing in the NSW Local Court.

Strong written advocacy and client communication skills.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

The ability to manage court deadlines and competing priorities.

Sound knowledge of criminal procedure, evidence and relevant NSW and Commonwealth legislation.

A commitment to clear advice, client care and professional standards.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Previous experience practising in criminal defence law.

Experience appearing in Local Court proceedings.

Experience preparing matters for sentence and defended hearings.

Experience appearing in defended hearings and interlocutory applications.

Familiarity with NSW criminal justice practices and procedures.

Existing professional relationships within the criminal justice system.

What Baybridge Offers

Regular court appearances and meaningful advocacy experience.

Direct exposure to complex and interesting criminal law matters.

Responsibility for your own matters with access to senior support.

Ongoing mentoring from experienced criminal defence practitioner.

A supportive, collaborative and high-performing team culture.

A clear opportunity to progress as the practice grows.

A supportive and down-to-earth team in a modern Sydney CBD office close to courts and public transport.

Opportunity to play a significant role in a growing specialist criminal law practice.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Applicants must possess legal work rights in Australia.