Paralegal Pathway Program 2027 - Sydney

Russell Kennedy Lawyers; Sydney; On-site; AUD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Russell Kennedy Lawyers in Sydney invites four penultimate- or final-year law students to join the Paralegal Pathway Program, a practical, hands-on introduction to life at the firm, with direct exposure to partners, lawyers, and clients.

The 18-week program rotates through three practice groups, with six weeks per rotation, and roles are part-time (roughly three days per week) to fit university commitments; a clear path to the Russell Kennedy Graduate Program in Sydney is outlined.

Qualifications

• Sound academic record is an important starting point.
• Involvement in the community through volunteer work, travel, sporting pursuits or cultural interests.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Curiosity

Collaboration

Education

Australian law degree

Job description

W e have a fantastic opportunity for four law students currently in their penultimate year, or entering their final year of study in 2027, to join our Paralegal Pathway Program in Sydney.

Russell Kennedy Paralegal Program

Our Paralegal Pathway Program is practical, informative and engaging, providing a genuine insight into what a career at Russell Kennedy is like. It offers the opportunity to connect with partners and lawyers across the firm, experience the work we do, and gain exposure to the clients we service.

Russell Kennedy offers an 18-week program rotating through three practice groups. The program is designed to provide in-depth, on-the-job experience working across different teams within the firm. During the program, paralegals will spend six weeks in each practice group, providing an opportunity to work with Partners, their teams, clients and industries, while taking a deep dive into matters and applying the skills they have learned through their formal studies in a practical setting.

Upon commencement, paralegals are allocated a Paralegal Lead for the duration of the program. They meet with their lead on a regular basis to discuss their progression and rotations, and to support their personal development. In addition, each paralegal is allocated a rotational supervisor and a paralegal buddy for each rotation. The Paralegal Lead, rotational supervisor and paralegal buddy will ensure that paralegals receive the necessary support to get the most out of their time with us.

We offer four paralegal roles each year, with two commencing in late January and the remaining two commencing in early June. All roles are part-time, ideally three days per week, depending on university commitments. The Paralegal Pathway Program is our future talent pathway into the Russell Kennedy Graduate Program in Sydney.

To be eligible for the Russell Kennedy Paralegal Pathway Program, applicants must be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or holder of an Australian humanitarian visa. Applicants must also be in their penultimate or final year of an Australian law degree to be eligible to commence as a Law Graduate in February 2028.

What we look for in a Paralegal

Naturally, a sound academic record is an important starting point, but we also consider other attributes such as previous work experience, a commitment to commercial law, and involvement in the community through volunteer work, travel, sporting pursuits or cultural interests.

We operate in a collegiate environment and genuinely encourage work-life balance. We welcome applications from people with diverse strengths, perspectives and experiences. You may bring analytical thinking, curiosity, collaboration, or other capabilities that will help you contribute and learn.

Further Information

Any questions regarding this opportunity can be directed to Vanessa Maio on [phone] or [e-mail].

Please note that any offer of employment made by Russell Kennedy to a successful candidate will be subject to a police check.

Applications close at 11.59 pm on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.

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, LGBTIQ+ 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, each candidate has access to flexible work options and workplace adjustments including alternate formats where required. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process please contact Vanessa Maio on 03 9609 6812 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.