Law Clerk

NLS Law; Sydney; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Specialist focus

Hands-on experience

Supportive culture

Flexible hours

Professional development

Competitive pay

Job summary

NLS Law in Sydney is seeking a motivated Law Clerk to join our family and children's law practice. You will gain hands-on exposure to litigation and matter management under the supervision of our solicitors, suitable for a law student or graduate.

Hours negotiable between 4 and 5 days per week. Applicants should be currently studying or have completed a law degree, with strong research, written communication, and organisational skills, and a respectful approach to clients in sensitive matters.

Qualifications

• Currently studying or having completed a law degree (or equivalent).
• Strong legal research and written communication skills.
• Sound understanding of NSW and federal court and tribunal systems.
• Ability to work independently under limited guidance.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• A high level of discretion and understanding of client confidentiality.
• Empathetic approach and genuine care for wellbeing of clients.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research on family law, children's law and related issues to assist solicitors in preparing advice and case strategy.
• Drafting correspondence, file notes, affidavits, briefs and court documents under the supervision and direction of solicitors.
• Preparing and organising court and mediation bundles, including paginating, indexing and cross-referencing materials.
• Assisting with the preparation, filing and service of court documents in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Children’s Court of NSW and other relevant courts and tribunals.
• Managing and maintaining matter files and records in the firm's practice management system, ensuring accuracy and currency.
• Attending court, conferences and mediations with solicitors to take notes and provide support as directed.
• Liaising with clients, counsel, mediators, expert witnesses and other parties as required and directed by solicitors.
• Assisting with briefing counsel and preparing instructions for hearings and conferences.
• Undertaking general administrative tasks in support of matters, including diary management, correspondence tracking and document production.

Skills

Legal research

Written communication

Attention to detail

Organisation

Discretion

Empathy

Education

Law degree or equivalent

Job description

NLS Law is a boutique specialist family and children's law firm with offices in Sydney and Newcastle, practising across NSW and nationally. We advocate for families and children with compassion, integrity and excellence across family law, parenting matters, property settlements, care and protection, adoption and surrogacy, and related appeal and administrative matters.

Our Solicitor Director is an Accredited Specialist in Children's Law, and our team has appeared before courts and tribunals including the High Court of Australia, the Full Court of the FCFCOA, the NSW Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court of NSW, the Federal Court, the Children’s Court of NSW, NCAT and the AAT.

We are a supportive, collaborative team that takes pride in delivering high-quality legal services with heart, and in giving our people real opportunities to grow.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Law Clerk to join our Sydney team, working across family law, children's law and adoption matters. This role offers hands-on exposure to litigation and matter management under the supervision of our solicitors, and is well suited to a law student or graduate looking to build practical experience in a specialist family law practice. Hours are negotiable between 4 and 5 days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Conducting legal research on family law, children's law and related issues to assist solicitors in preparing advice and case strategy

Drafting correspondence, file notes, affidavits, briefs and court documents under the supervision and direction of solicitors

Preparing and organising court and mediation bundles, including paginating, indexing and cross-referencing materials

Assisting with the preparation, filing and service of court documents in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Children’s Court of NSW and other relevant courts and tribunals

Managing and maintaining matter files and records in the firm's practice management system, ensuring accuracy and currency

Attending court, conferences and mediations with solicitors to take notes and provide support as directed

Liaising with clients, counsel, mediators, expert witnesses and other parties as required and directed by solicitors

Assisting with briefing counsel and preparing instructions for hearings and conferences

Undertaking general administrative tasks in support of matters, including diary management, correspondence tracking and document production

About You

Currently studying or having completed a law degree (or equivalent), with a demonstrated interest in family law and children's law

Strong legal research and written communication skills, with careful attention to detail

Sound understanding of, or willingness to learn, the structures, methods and procedures of the NSW and federal court and tribunal systems

Ability to work independently under limited guidance while exercising sound judgement on non-routine tasks

Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple matters

A high level of discretion and understanding of client confidentiality, given the sensitive nature of family and children's law matters

A proactive, empathetic approach and genuine care for the wellbeing of clients, many of whom are experiencing difficult personal circumstances

Classification

This role is classified at Level 6 - Law Clerk under the Legal Services Award 2020 (MA000116).

Level 6 applies to employees working under limited guidance in line with a broad plan, strategy or function, exercising significant judgement in substantially non-routine legal and administrative work, and who can display a practical understanding of the structures, methods and procedures of the relevant State or Territory legal system.

Why Join NLS Law

• Be part of a specialist law firm making a genuine difference in the lives of families and children
• Hands-on experience across family law, children's law and adoption matters, with real opportunities to develop your practical legal skills
• A supportive, collaborative team culture where your contribution is valued
• Flexible working arrangements, with hours negotiable between 4 and 5 days per week
• Professional development and mentoring opportunities, with scope for progression
• Competitive remuneration in line with the Legal Services Award 2020