Criminal Defence Lawyer 4+ PAE

Hugo Law Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Mentoring & training

Professional development

Work across Perth/Sydney/Canberra

Job summary

Hugo Law Group in Sydney seeks a Criminal Lawyer with a genuine passion for criminal law to join our office. You will handle serious and complex matters alongside experienced solicitors and barristers, taking meaningful responsibility for your files.

We offer mentoring, professional development, and a collaborative culture focused on high-quality work and client service, with opportunities to advance your career across our national practice.

Qualifications

• 4+ years PAE in criminal law with practising certificate.
• Interest in building a long-term career in criminal defence.
• Experience managing own files and deadlines.
• Strong legal research, analysis and drafting skills.
• Excellent client management and communication abilities.
• Willing to mentor junior solicitors.

Responsibilities

• Manage own criminal matters and complex cases.
• Provide strategic legal analysis and advocacy.
• Brief and liaise with barristers on matters.
• Mentor junior solicitors and support team.
• Maintain high-quality client service and case prep.

Skills

Criminal law

Litigation

Client communication

Mentoring juniors

Research & analysis

Education

Current practicing certificate

Job description

Hugo Law Group is seeking a Criminal Lawyer with a genuine passion for criminal law to join our Sydney office.

Hugo Law Group offers the opportunity to build your career within one of Australia’s leading criminal defence practices. You will work across serious and complex criminal matters alongside experienced solicitors and highly regarded barristers, while taking meaningful responsibility for your matters and continuing to strengthen your technical, strategic and client management skills.

About us

Hugo Law Group is a dynamic national criminal law firm with offices in Perth, Sydney and Canberra. We are recognised for providing exceptional representation to people facing serious criminal charges and for the quality, preparation and strategic approach we bring to every matter.

Our culture is collaborative, ambitious and people focussed. We prioritise mentoring, professional development and arming our lawyers with the skills they need to succeed. At Hugo Law Group you will work alongside talented practitioners and have access to meaningful training and competitive employee benefits.

About the Role

The role would suit a Criminal Lawyer with 4+ years post admission experience who not only has the skills and demonstrated experience of managing complex criminal matters but can also mentor and support junior solicitors.

About you

Skills, judgment and a genuine passion for criminal law are what we are looking for.

You will bring a strong work ethic, a proactive approach and the ability to contribute to a supportive, close-knit team environment.

The ideal candidates will have:

• 4+ years PAEwith experience in criminal law with a current practicing certificate.
• A genuine interest in building a long-term career in criminal defence.
• Experience managing your own files .
• Strong legal analysis, research and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written communication and drafting skills.
• The ability to carefully analyse evidence and identify the key issues in complex matters.
• Strong client management and communication skills.
• A proactive and organised approach to file management and matter preparation.
• Sound judgment, attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Team spirit, integrity and a willingness to learn from and support colleagues.

What we Offer

A competitive salary package that grows with your experience, plus mobile phone, CPD training, membership fees and practicing certificate costs.

The opportunity to work on serious and complex matters with meaningful responsibility and client exposure.

Direct experience briefing and working with highly regarded barristers.

Opportunities to work with leading criminal defence practitioners across Perth, Sydney and Canberra.

Structured mentoring and genuine support for your long term career progression.

Exposure to a diverse range of criminal matters and complex proceedings.

A dynamic, close knit and energised workplace where your contribution is recognised and valued.

A genuine commitment to professional development and helping our lawyers build successful and rewarding careers in criminal law.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 30 November 2026, however we reserve the right to close applications earlier if the right candidate is found.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.