Graduate Lawyer

City of Canterbury Bankstown Council; Canterbury-Bankstown; On-site; AUD 67,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Temporary Full-Time

Remuneration package

Work/Life balance

Career development

Bankstown location

Health and Wellbeing Programs

Job summary

City of Canterbury Bankstown Council invites applications for a Graduate Lawyer to join our in-house General Counsel team. This two-year Temporary Full-Time role starts February 2027 and offers exposure to diverse legal, governance, and regulatory matters within a large, culturally rich council.

You will provide practical advice, support litigation, conduct research, draft documents, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders while building your legal career in local government.

Qualifications

• Law degree (LLB or JD) recognised in Australia for admission in NSW.
• Current NSW Practising Certificate.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical legal advice across property, commercial, administrative, planning, environmental and civil matters.
• Assist in management of litigation across courts and tribunals.
• Conduct legal research and prepare notes, briefs and court documents.
• Liaise with stakeholders and external legal providers; support governance and compliance.

Job description

City of Canterbury Bankstown Council - Bankstown NSW

The City of Canterbury Bankstown is one of the largest Council's in NSW with the most culturally, socially and economically diverse communities in Sydney. We deliver 21 key services such as childcare, waste collection, parks maintenance, libraries, community facilities and aquatic centres to over 370,000 residents.

The role

Build your legal career while gaining valuable experience within a diverse and dynamic Local Government environment!

As a Graduate Lawyer, you'll support the delivery of efficient, effective and practical legal services to Council in its capacity as a local government authority. As part of Council's in-house General Counsel team, you'll work alongside experienced legal professionals and gain exposure to a diverse range of legal, governance and regulatory matters.

This is a two-year Temporary Full-Time opportunity, commencing in February 2027, designed to develop your practical legal skills and experience while working closely with Council's Executive Team, senior managers and staff across a range of business units, providing a strong foundation for your career in law.

Duties will include but not be limited to:

• Provide practical legal advice and support across a range of property, commercial, administrative, planning and environmental, and civil matters.
• Assist Council's General Counsel team with the management of litigation across courts and tribunals.
• Conduct legal research and analysis, including preparing case notes and supporting legal matters.
• Draft a range of legal documents, including advice, briefs, memorandums, reports and court documents.
• Liaise and build effective relationships with internal stakeholders, external legal providers and consultants.
• Support the development of legal briefs and evidence for a range of Council matters.
• Maintain accurate legal records and assist with the timely registration and management of legal documentation.
• Support compliance with relevant legislation, Council policies, procedures and governance requirements.
• Assist with communication and negotiation with members of the public and external organisations on legal matters, where required.
• Provide general legal and administrative support to the General Counsel team.

You will have

• A completed Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) qualification recognised in Australia for admission as a lawyer in New South Wales.
• A current NSW Practising Certificate.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical and ethical reasoning skills, with the ability to apply these in a professional legal environment.
• Intermediate computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, with the ability to quickly learn and confidently use Council's systems, databases and electronic records management systems.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with stakeholders at all levels.

The salary range for this opportunity starts at $74,692 (Grade D, Step 1) + 12% super.

What's on offer

• Temporary Full-Time opportunity
• An attractive remuneration package.
• Work/Life balance environment.
• An investment in your career growth, learning and development.
• Bankstown location (close to public transport).
• Access to our employee Health and Wellbeing Programs.

CBCity is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We want our workplace to reflect the diverse community we serve. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, experiences and abilities; this includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the LGBTQIA+ community and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Successful applicants may be required to undertake a Criminal History Check, Medical and/or Working with Children Check in accordance with the position.

Applicants must hold an Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or possess a valid work permit/visa with full unrestricted working rights to be eligible.