Senior Lawyer - Migration (PQE 2-4)

Riverwood Migration; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD support

Competitive market salary

Generous bonus structure

Hybrid arrangement (minimum 2 days in

Job summary

Riverwood Migration in Sydney is seeking a Senior Migration Lawyer with 2+ years PQE to join our team, handling a broad caseload of temporary and permanent visas while mentoring junior lawyers.

The role reports to the Principal Lawyer and involves contributing to internal know-how and maintaining client-centred service in a collaborative, practice-wide environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with at least 2 years post-qualification experience in migration or immigration law.
• Excellent drafting, research, and analytical skills.
• Strong client communication and the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a small team.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a wide range of Australian immigration matters.
• Prepare and lodge visa applications and draft detailed submissions (partner, student, graduate, parent, GSM, 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.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting

Client communication

Autonomy

Team collaboration

ActionStep proficiency

Education

Australian practising certificate

Tools

ActionStep

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