Law Clerk - Criminal Lawyer

Smith Cambridge Lawyers | Bundall, Gold Coast QLD
Full-time or Part-time | Law Students & Recent Graduates

Smith Cambridge Lawyers is a specialist criminal defence firm with offices on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane.

We are looking for an ambitious Law Clerk to join our growing team in Bundall.

This is an opportunity to get genuine, hands-on exposure to criminal law from day one.

You'll work closely with experienced criminal lawyers, attend court, assist with live matters, undertake legal research and drafting, and see first-hand how criminal cases are prepared and defended.

If you're serious about building a career in criminal law, we want to hear from you.

At a large firm, junior lawyers can sometimes spend years working on one small part of a matter.

At Smith Cambridge, our boutique structure means you'll have the opportunity to see the whole picture.

You'll be exposed to:

• Magistrates, District and Supreme Court matters

• Bail applications and sentencing

• Criminal charges and complex briefs of evidence

• Client conferences and communications

• Legal research and written submissions

• Preparation of court documents

• Case strategy and preparation

• Liaising with counsel and other legal professionals

• Court attendance across South East Queensland

You'll learn how criminal matters actually work from the first client conference through to resolution.

Working directly with our solicitors, your role may include:

• Conducting legal research and preparing research memoranda

• Drafting correspondence, submissions and court documents

• Reviewing and analysing briefs of evidence

• Assisting with preparation for hearings, mentions, pleas and trials

• Preparing files and chronologies

• Attending Queensland courts

• Assisting solicitors with client conferences and case preparation

• Liaising professionally with clients, counsel and other stakeholders

• Maintaining accurate files and matter records

• Providing general legal and administrative support where required

The emphasis is on learning, responsibility and developing practical legal skills.

We're looking for someone who is smart, driven and genuinely interested in criminal law.

You will ideally:

• Be currently studying an LLB or JD, or be a recent law graduate

• Have a genuine interest in criminal defence

• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrate strong legal research and analytical ability

• Be highly organised and able to manage competing deadlines

• Have excellent attention to detail

• Be confident communicating with clients and professional stakeholders

• Be emotionally intelligent, professional and discreet

• Be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

• Be willing to learn and take responsibility

• Have a current Australian driver's licence and reliable vehicle

• Be available to travel to courts across South East Queensland when required

Previous criminal-law experience is advantageous, but attitude, work ethic and genuine interest in criminal law are more important.

We want the right person to grow with the firm.

You will receive:

✓ Direct mentoring from experienced criminal lawyers

✓ Genuine exposure to Queensland courts

✓ Hands-on experience with live criminal matters

✓ Development of practical advocacy and litigation skills

✓ Meaningful legal research and drafting experience

✓ A supportive boutique environment where your contribution matters

✓ Exposure to complex and varied criminal matters

✓ Opportunities for increased responsibility as your skills develop

✓ Potential for ongoing employment and a graduate/solicitor pathway for the right person

✓ A professional workplace where initiative is encouraged

We're not necessarily looking for the person with the longest CV.

We're looking for someone who:

wants to learn, takes ownership, thinks critically, works hard and genuinely wants to become an excellent criminal lawyer.

If you're the type of law student who wants to be in court rather than simply reading about court, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

Position: Law Clerk – Criminal Law
Location: Bundall, Gold Coast
Employment: Full-time or Part-time
Salary: Competitive remuneration, commensurate with experience and availability
Start: Immediate / negotiable

A current driver's licence and reliable vehicle are required due to court attendance across South East Queensland.

Please submit:

1. Your CV; and

2. A brief cover letter explaining why you want to practise criminal law and your current study/availability.

Applications should be directed to:

Troy Smith
Smith Cambridge Lawyers
****@smithcambridge.com.au

If you're looking for a law clerk position that gives you real responsibility, real court exposure and a genuine pathway into criminal law, apply today.