Legal Assistant (12 month fixed-term contract)

Russell Kennedy; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Russell Kennedy is seeking a motivated law student or emerging legal professional to join the Government, Planning & Environment team as a Legal Assistant on a 12-month fixed-term contract in Melbourne. You will work alongside experienced lawyers, support billing, file management and client communications, and gain exposure to litigation, advisory and court processes.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality legal services, developing organisational, communication and cybersecurity awareness,

Qualifications

• Advanced administrative skills with fast, accurate typing (≥70 wpm).
• Knowledge of Victorian court and tribunals litigation procedures (VCAT).
• Strong MS Office, document management, and billing system experience.
• Experience with video conferencing platforms.
• Attention to detail and high-quality work.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work with multiple fee earners.
• Prior experience as a Legal Assistant preferred.

Responsibilities

• Billing – entering daily timesheets, preparing detailed bills in accordance with firm protocols and deadlines (Aderant).
• Email & Calendar Management – manage Outlook inbox, review and respond to emails; coordinate file work, hearing dates, client meetings.
• File Management – review and file email correspondence (electronic and hard copy).
• Document Preparation & Formatting – typing, drafting correspondence, fee proposals, agreements, advices and court documents; use templates and mail merge.
• Record Keeping – create and maintain files; ensure documents are filed correctly and timely.
• Client Support – answer client queries, manage expectations around communications.
• General Office Duties – administrative tasks for legal services.
• Team Support – assist other staff; suggest improvements for client service and teamwork.
• Communication – manage workflow and provide feedback on status and dates.
• Support fee earners in building RK brand and client relationships.
• Preparing & lodging expense claims.
• Support business development, tenders, court and advice work.
• Maintain cyber security awareness and protective practices.

Skills

Admin skills

Typing speed 70+ wpm

Litigation knowledge (VCAT)

MS Office

Video conferencing

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organization

Tools

Aderant

Document management system

Billing system

Outlook

Video conferencing platforms

Job description

Legal Assistant (12 month fixed term contract)

We are seeking a 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 far 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

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.