Migration Lawyer PQE 3+

Riverwood Migration; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD support

Competitive market salary

Generous bonus structure

Hybrid arrangement (minimium 2 days in

Visa sponsorship from 482 visa to 186

One dedicated legal assistant

Clear path to advance

Job summary

Riverwood Migration in Sydney seeks a Senior Migration Lawyer with 2+ years PQE to manage a broad caseload of temporary and permanent visas, employer-sponsored, family visas, and complex matters. You will mentor junior lawyers and contribute to internal know-how while ensuring high-quality client service.

Reporting to the Principal Lawyer, you will liaise with the Department of Home Affairs, draft submissions, and ensure regulatory compliance across a range of visa categories.

Qualifications

• 2+ years post-qualification experience in migration/immigration law.
• Current, unrestricted Australian practising certificate.
• Strong knowledge of Australian migration legislation, regulations, and policy across visa categories.
• Advanced legal research, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Excellent client communication skills and ability to explain complex issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a wide range of Australian immigration matters.
• Prepare and lodge visa applications and draft submissions (e.g., partner, student, graduate, parent visas, GSM, appeals).
• Manage communications with the Department of Home Affairs and other bodies.
• Interpret legislation and policy as it applies to client circumstances.
• Maintain accurate file records and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to internal know-how.
• Collaborate with colleagues on complex matters.
• Support business development through high-quality client service.

Skills

Migration law

Legal drafting

Client communication

Legal research

Time management

Mentoring juniors

Education

Law degree

Tools

ActionStep

Case management software

Job description

Riverwood Migration is a full-service immigration law practice supporting individuals and businesses with their migration needs. We turn complex immigration legislation and procedures into clear, practical guidance for our clients. We value accessible legal advice, client-centred service, and ethical practice, working collaboratively to create tailored action plans that help clients navigate the Australian immigration system with confidence.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Migration Lawyer with 2+ years post-qualification experience to join our Sydney team. Reporting to the Principal Lawyer, you will handle a broad caseload spanning temporary and permanent visas, employer-sponsored visas, family visas, and complex migration matters, while contributing to the firm's internal know-how and mentoring junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a wide range of Australian immigration matters
• Prepare and lodge visa applications and draft detailed submissions, e.g. partner visa, student visa, graduate visa, parent visa, GSM and appeals.
• Manage communications with the Department of Home Affairs and other relevant bodies
• Interpret legislation and policy as it applies to client circumstances
• Maintain accurate file records and ensure compliance with professional and regulatory standards
• Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to internal know-how
• Collaborate with colleagues on complex matters
• Support business development through high-quality client service

About You

• Qualified lawyer with at least 2 years post-qualification experience in migration or immigration law
• Current, unrestricted Australian practising certificate
• Strong knowledge of Australian migration legislation, regulations, and policy across a range of visa categories
• Advanced legal research, drafting, and analytical skills
• Excellent client communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues in plain language
• High attention to detail, strong time management, and organisational skills
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a small team
• Proficient in ActionStep and other work related software
• Commitment to ethical practice, continuous professional development, and culturally sensitive client service

What We Offer

• CPD support
• Competitive market salary
• Generous bonus structure
• Hybrid arrangement (minimium 2 days in the office in Sydney)
• Ability to work outside of Australia (subject to management approval)
• One dedicated legal assistant
• Clear path to advance
• Visa sponsorship from 482 visa to 186 visa