Migration Paralegal

Hall & Wilcox; Sydney; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Parental leave

Breakfast on site

Wellbeing program

Diversity & inclusion

Pro bono

WFH equipment allowance

Office social events

Learning & development

Employee rewards

Job summary

Hall & Wilcox is seeking a Migration Paralegal to join our Employment team in a hybrid working environment. The role focuses on employer sponsored visa matters, including Subclass 482 and 186, supporting a busy corporate practice.

You will assist with document preparation, lodgements, and coordinating responses while working closely with partners and senior lawyers. A proactive, organized approach and 1–2 years of migration law experience are valued.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years' experience in Australian migration law is highly desirable.
• Exposure to employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482, 186) is preferred.
• Experience in high-volume legal/migration environment with accuracy and client service.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and lodging employer-sponsored visa applications (Subclass 482/186).
• Compile and organise supporting documentation per Department requirements.
• Prepare draft forms, correspondence and submissions for review by migration lawyers.
• Monitor deadlines and manage responses to RFIs with clients and team.
• Maintain client records and ensure data accuracy across systems.
• Assist with billing, disbursement tracking and matter administration.

Skills

Migration law

Communication skills

Attention to detail

MS Office

ImmiAccount

Education

LLB or related qualification

Tools

ImmiAccount

VEVO

Practice management systems

Job description

• Our HW Evolve approach includes hybrid and flexible working. WFH and from modern, open plan offices. We will provide you with WFH IT equipment plus reimbursement of up to $500 for additional equipment
• Competitive remuneration and our Hallstar reward and recognition program
• Learning and career development programs for all roles and levels
• Flexible leave options, including up to 26 weeks paid parental leave
• Free daily breakfast and office social events
• Genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, and pro bono and community

Make the smarter choice. Come and thrive with us. Learn more about what Hall & Wilcox can offer you: bit.ly/HWbenefits

About the roleand team

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Migration Paralegal to join our team within the Employment section. Our Employment section consists of 50 team members nationally.

Our migration team is recognised for delivering practical, commercially focused advice and supporting clients through complex Australian visa application processes in an evolving regulatory environment. We specialise in employer sponsored migration and work closely with clients across a range of sectors to secure and retain global talent.

As a Migration Paralegal, you will provide essential technical and administrative support to the migration team, with a strong focus on employer sponsored visa matters, including Subclass 482 and 186 visa applications. You will be responsible for supporting a high-volume corporate client practice, managing multiple concurrent matters, coordinating responses to Departmental requests, and ensuring critical application deadlines are met. Working closely with the Partner, Special Counsel, Senior Associate and broader team, you will assist with the preparation and lodgement of visa applications while ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, compliance, and client service.

This role is ideal for a highly organised and proactive individual looking to build a career in Australian migration law within a busy, high performing corporate practice.

Key responsibilities include:

Case Support & Documentation

• Assist in the preparation and lodgement of employer-sponsored visa applications, including Subclass 482 and 186 visas, as well as related migration matters.
• Compile, review and organise supporting documentation and evidence in accordance with legislative and Departmental requirements.
• Prepare draft application forms, correspondence and and submissions for review by migration lawyers.
• Manage the collection of client documents ensuring all information is complete, accurate and compliant with Departmental requirements.
• Coordinate health examinations, biometrics and other visa application requirements.
• Monitor and coordinate responses to Departmental requests for further information (RFIs), including liaising with clients to obtain supporting documents, tracking critical deadlines, and ensuring all information is provided within required timeframes.
• Maintain accurate records of outstanding documents, application milestones and key deadlines, proactively following up with clients and escalating issues where necessary to ensure matters progress efficiently.

Administrative & Data Management

• Assist with managing critical visa application deadlines and compliance obligations across a high-volume caseload, ensuring applications, supporting documents and responses to Departmental requests are submitted on time.
• Maintain and update client records within the firm's practice management systems.
• Monitor visa grant outcomes, visa expiry dates and key application milestones.
• Submit and monitor applications in ImmiAccount and track progress through to completion.
• Assist with billing processes, disbursement tracking and matter administration.
• Support the efficient progression of a high volume of concurrent matters while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

Client Interaction

• Act as a key point of contact for clients on administrative and procedural matters.
• Provide timely application updates and assist in managing client expectations throughout the application process.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure client queries are addressed promptly and escalated where appropriate.

Professional Development

• Develop working knowledge of Australian migration legislation, policy and procedural requirements.
• Participate in ongoing mentoring, training and professional development opportunities.
• Assist the team in monitoring and responding to developments and reforms in Australia's migration framework.

About you

• 1-2 years' experience in Australian migration law, with exposure to employer-sponsored visa applications (including subclasses 482 and 186) and related migration matters highly desirable.
• Experience working in a high-volume legal, migration, professional services or administrative environment where accuracy, compliance and client service are critical.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to confidently liaise with corporate and private clients, gather information, manage expectations and coordinate timely responses.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters concurrently, monitor key deadlines and competing priorities, and ensure applications and responses are progressed efficiently and on time.
• Ability to work proactively and independently, while appropriately escalating issues and seeking guidance from the Partner, Special Counsel, Senior Associate or other senior team members when required.
• Current enrolment in, or recent completion of, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Legal Studies or a related qualification will be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience managing large volumes of documentation, including collecting, reviewing, organising and tracking client records and supporting evidence.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• A "zero-error" mindset when handling sensitive personal information, government forms and compliance related documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to quickly learn and navigate systems such as ImmiAccount, VEVO and practice management platforms.
• A proactive, client-focused approach and a genuine interest in developing a career in Australian migration law.
• An interest in Australian migration policy and legislative developments, with a desire to help clients navigate an evolving regulatory environment.

About us

At Hall & Wilcox, we deliver outstanding legal services to corporate, public sector and private clients, both Australian-based and those offshore doing business in Australia. Our purpose is to enable our clients, our people and our communities to thrive.

We are known for having a great culture that puts people first. A culture where our purpose and values - our Hallmarks - are lived, not laminated.

We do great work, smarter. We’re passionate about the work we do and how it creates value for today and tomorrow. We’re famous forSmarter Law: smarter thinking to create smarter solutions. We embrace innovative thinking and technology. We listen. We partner. We solve.

Hall & Wilcox is a successful independent Australian law firm; a place to belong, with the freedom to learn and grow. We thrive together. We are diverse and inclusive; everyone is welcome and respected. We encourage applications from candidates of all cultural backgrounds (including First Nations), age, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities.

Hear from our people about what it’s like to thrive at Hall & Wilcox: bit.ly/HWpeople

To learn more about Hall & Wilcox visit ourwebsite.

We are committed to supporting candidates with disability so that every candidate is offered a fair, equitable and supportive recruitment experience. If you require any adjustments or support to complete your application, or if you have any questions, please contact Jaimie Monahan at **************@hallandwilcox.com.au for a confidential discussion.

This vacancy is being managed directly by the Hall & Wilcox Talent Acquisition team. We will contact our preferred agency partners should we require any assistance.