Legal Assistant (12 month fixed-term contract)

Russell Kennedy Lawyers; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Russell Kennedy Lawyers in Melbourne is seeking a motivated Legal Assistant (12 month fixed-term contract) to support the Government, Planning & Environment team. The role offers exposure to litigation, advisory matters and client-focused work while developing practical skills to complement your studies.

The ideal candidate is studying law or intends to pursue a legal career, with great attention to detail, superb organisation and a proactive, collaborative approach.

Qualifications

• Law student or emerging legal professional with genuine interest in pursuing a legal career.
• Strong attention to detail and proactive support to the team.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Experience with legal administration preferred.

Responsibilities

• Billing – entering timesheets and preparing bills in line with firm protocols (Aderant).
• Email & Calendar Management – manage Outlook inbox and calendar for files and hearings.
• File Management – review and file email correspondence and documents.
• Document Preparation & Formatting – drafting correspondence, proposals, and court documents.
• Record Keeping – create and maintain files and ensure timely filing.
• Client Support – address queries and manage client expectations.
• General Office Duties – administrative tasks for legal services.
• Team Support – assist colleagues and suggest improvements.
• Communication – prioritise workflow and update fee earners on status/dates.
• Support fee earners in building RK relationships with clients and associations.
• Expense claims – preparing and lodging claims.
• Business development, tenders, court and advice work support.
• Cybersecurity – maintain security awareness and best practices.
• Any additional reasonable duties as requested.

Skills

Advanced administrative skills

Typing speed 70+ wpm

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Outstanding organisational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Law student

Tools

MS Office

Document management systems

Billing systems (Aderant)

Video conferencing platforms

Job description

Legal Assistant (12 month fixed-term contract)

We are seeking an motivated law student or emerging legal professional to join the Government, Planning & Environment team at Russell Kennedy, on a 12 month fixed-term contract. Working alongside experienced lawyers and legal support professionals, you will gain valuable insight into complex legal matters while developing practical skills that will complement your studies and support your future legal career.

As a Legal Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting the delivery of high-quality legal services, gaining exposure to litigation, advisory and client-focused work while building a strong understanding of legal practice.

This role offers more than traditional administrative experience. You will work closely with legal practitioners, contribute to the coordination and management of matters, engage with clients and stakeholders, and develop a strong appreciation of how legal teams operate. The breadth of work provides a unique opportunity to strengthen your organisational, communication and technical skills while gaining exposure to sophisticated legal processes.

The ideal candidate will be studying law or have a genuine interest in pursuing a legal career,with strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills and a proactive approach to supporting others. You'll enjoy working collaboratively, take pride in producing high-quality work and be eager to learn from experienced professionals while contributing positively to the success of the team and its clients.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Billing – entering daily timesheets, preparing detailed bills in accordance with firm protocols and deadlines (Aderant).
• Email & Calendar Management – proactively manage Outlook inbox including, but not limited to reviewing, filing and responding to emails.Manage and coordinate calendar appointments, tasks and reminders for file work, hearing dates, client meetings etc.
• File Management – review, and file email correspondence (electronically and hard copy).
• Document Preparation & Formatting - general typing, including preparation of correspondence, fee proposals, agreements, advices and court documents. Working with templates, precedents and mail merge documents.
• Record Keeping - create and maintain files. Ensure all documents, letters, file notes, etc., are filed correctly and in a timely manner.
• Client Support – answering client queries where appropriate, managing client expectations around communications.
• General Office Duties - tasks required for administration of legal services.
• Team Support –assist other support staff with overflow work. Use initiative to identify and communicate suggestions for improvement in client service, teamwork, etc.
• Communication – prioritise workflow and ensure fee earners are provided with feedback as to the status of current work, future tasks and significant dates.
• Support fee earners in building the RK brand and developing strong professional relationships with clients and associations.
• Preparing & lodging expense claims.
• Provide support with business development, tenders, court and advice work.
• Maintains cyber security at all times. Cultivate an awareness of security risks, stay informed of latest cyber threats, instil best cybersecurity practises and take practical steps to protect the firm and client from cyberattacks.
• Any additional reasonable duties as requested.

Skills/Knowledge

• Advanced administrative skills with fast and accurate typing, minimum 70+ wpm.
• Working knowledge of litigation procedures in Victorian courts and tribunals (VCAT).
• Comprehensive knowledge of MS Office suite and experience with document management systems and billing systems.
• Experience with video conferencing platforms.
• Attention to detail, with a focus on producing accurate, high quality work.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Outstanding organisational skills demonstrated through previous experience working with multiple fee earners.

Experience

• Prior experience working as a Legal Assistant is preferred

Further Information

Any questions regarding the vacancy can be directed to CarlaViglino on [phone] or [e-mail]. Please note any offer of employment made by Russell Kennedy to the successful candidate will be subject to a police check. We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only. No agency referrals will be accepted at this stage.

Our Firm and Culture

Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 380 people in Melbourne and Sydney. We are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market-leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.

As part of our team, you’ll receive hands‑on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle. We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.

Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, as well as being certified as a gold employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for employers with 500 or less employees. We respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm supports and promotes a range of initiatives to create an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. There is a particular focus and emphasis on gender equality, inclusion of First Nations peoples, accessibility for people with disability, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and cultural diversity. Russell Kennedy is recognised by Australian Disability Network as a Disability Confident Recruiter employer.

Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent available. We acknowledge the importance of work‑life balance, all current and prospective employees have access to flexible work options and workplace adjustments including alternate accessible formats, where required. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process please contact Leanda Nissen on 03 9609 1523 or [e-mail].

Russell Kennedy Lawyers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet and work. Our offices are situated on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri and Gadigal peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, to their emerging leaders and to the resilience, creativity and vitality of their cultures including their laws and systems of governance.