Final Year Law Student / Law Graduate / Junior Lawyer

seek.com.au; Cairns Regional; Hybrid; AUD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

This small, growing Queensland law practice in Far North Queensland seeks a final-year law student, law graduate or newly admitted lawyer to join from January 2027. This is not a traditional graduate role; you will be part of a friendly, approachable firm focused on practical, client‑centred service.

You will work directly with experienced owner/solicitors, receive high‑quality practical training from day one and be involved in matters from start to finish, initially focusing on residential

Qualifications

• Exceptional attention to detail and professional communication.
• Ability to explain legal concepts clearly to clients in plain language.
• Willingness to learn, take ownership and follow through to completion.

Responsibilities

• Assist with residential conveyancing and property law matters from start to finish.
• Work closely with experienced owner/solicitors for hands-on training.
• Opportunities to develop into estate planning, family law and commercial matters as proficiency grows.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Client interaction

Clear written communication

Ownership & accountability

Willingness to learn

Adaptability

Education

Final-year Australian law degree

Graduate or admitted for PLT

Job description

Final Year Law Student / Law Graduate / Junior Lawyer

A small, growing Queensland law practice is looking for a final-year law student, law graduate or newly admitted lawyer to join our team in Far North Queensland from January 2027.

We are not a traditional law firm, and this is not a traditional graduate role.

If you are looking for a high-end corporate environment where you wear a suit every day and use impressive legal language that clients do not understand, we are probably not the firm for you.

We are friendly, approachable and down-to-earth. Our clients choose us because we provide excellent legal services while remaining relatable, accessible and easy to talk to. We explain complex issues in plain English, treat clients as people and place exceptional service at the forefront of everything we do.

You are likely to fit well with us if your goals in law are connected to helping people, solving real problems and building trusted relationships.

Build your legal career differently

A small, growing Queensland law practice is looking for a final-year law student, law graduate or newly admitted lawyer to join our team in Far North Queensland from January 2027.

We are not a traditional law firm, and this is not a traditional graduate role.

If you are looking for a high-end corporate environment where you wear a suit every day and use impressive legal language that clients do not understand, we are probably not the firm for you.

We are friendly, approachable and down-to-earth. Our clients choose us because we provide excellent legal services while remaining relatable, accessible and easy to talk to. We explain complex issues in plain English, treat clients as people and place exceptional service at the forefront of everything we do.

You are likely to fit well with us if your goals in law are connected to helping people, solving real problems and building trusted relationships.

A genuinely hands-on early-career role

You will join a close, supportive team and work directly with experienced owner/solicitors.

You will receive high-quality practical training from the beginning. You will be actively involved, challenged to think and supported as you develop the judgment, confidence and professional skills needed to become an excellent lawyer.

The role will initially focus on residential conveyancing and property law. You will be trained to understand and take responsibility for matters from beginning to end, rather than completing isolated tasks without understanding their purpose.

As you become proficient, your experience can expand into other areas, with potential pathways including estate planning, broader property law, family law and commercial matters.

This is an opportunity to use the full range of skills developed through your law degree and build the practical, commercial and interpersonal skills that university cannot teach.

Who may apply?

We welcome applications from candidates who:

• are in the final 12 months of an Australian law degree and able to work full-time;

• have completed their law degree and are preparing to commence Practical Legal Training;

• are currently completing Practical Legal Training;

• have recently completed Practical Legal Training; or

• have been admitted as an Australian lawyer within approximately the previous six months.

Previous conveyancing experience is helpful but not essential. Your attitude, judgment, attention to detail and willingness to learn will matter more.

What this opportunity offers

• Direct training and mentoring from experienced solicitors.

• Genuine involvement in legal work and client relationships from the outset.

• Structured development from supported learning to responsibility for your own matters.

• Support as you complete PLT and progress toward admission.

• Established workflows, systems and precedents.

• Opportunities to develop into additional areas of legal practice.

• Hybrid work from the Cairns Northern Beaches.

• Genuine scope for increased responsibility, leadership and long-term progression.

• The opportunity to become an important member of a small, growing team.

About you

You do not need to know everything when you commence. You do need to care deeply about doing things properly and about the people you are doing it for.

You will:

• have exceptional attention to detail;

• communicate warmly, confidently and professionally;

• be comfortable speaking with clients from all walks of life;

• explain things clearly without unnecessary legal jargon;

• write clearly using professional Australian English;

• think carefully and approach problems with curiosity;

• take ownership and follow work through to completion;

• be receptive to training and constructive feedback;

• ask questions when genuinely uncertain;

• be honest and accountable when mistakes occur;

• remain organised when managing competing priorities; and

• value relationships and exceptional client service.

Most importantly, you will genuinely care about clients and want to build a meaningful legal career based on helping people and developing trusted professional relationships.

Working arrangements and progression

This is a full-time hybrid role based in the Cairns Northern Beaches, with an anticipated commencement in January 2027.

During the initial training and development period, you will ordinarily work from the office at least three days each week, with the ability to work remotely for up to two days. Please note that fully remote applicants need not apply - this role requires majority in-office attendance.

Reasonable flexibility will be provided for PLT, admission requirements and approved professional development.

You must have full Australian working rights, be eligible for admission in Queensland and have reliable transport.

Salary will reflect your stage of study, PLT or admission and will be reviewed as you reach significant professional milestones and develop greater capability and responsibility.

For the right person, there is genuine scope for broader legal work, practice leadership and long-term progression within the firm.