Junior Criminal Lawyer (0-2yrs PAE)

Hugo Law Group is seeking a Junior Criminal Lawyer with 0-2 years PAE and a genuine passion for criminal law to join our Canberra office. 

This is an opportunity to build strong foundations in criminal practice within a leading national criminal defence firm. You will work closely with experienced practitioners, gain regular exposure to court and develop the practical skills, judgment and confidence needed to become a well-rounded criminal lawyer.

Whether you are newly admitted or have started building your experience in criminal law, this role is designed to give you meaningful exposure, quality supervision and increasing responsibility as your skills develop.

About us

Hugo Law Group is a dynamic national criminal law firm with offices in Canberra, Sydney and Perth. We are recognised for providing exceptional representation to people facing serious criminal charges and for developing lawyer who are technically strong, confident advocates and trusted advisers to their clients. 

Mentorship and growth are at the heart of what we do.  You’ll be surrounded by driven and ambitious colleagues who work hard, support one another and are committed to helping junior lawyers develop the skills they need to succeed. 

With direct access to experienced solicitors and leading barristers, regular court exposure and a supportive team culture, this is an opportunity to establish a strong foundation for a long term career in criminal law.

About the Role

We are looking for a lawyer with 0–2 years post-admission experience, including newly admitted lawyers, who is genuinely interested in developing a career in criminal defence.

We will consider exceptional law graduates who are nearing admission, particularly those who can demonstrate a strong academic record, a genuine commitment to criminal law and the aptitude to step quickly into practice.

Based in our Canberra office, you will work closely with Partners and senior lawyers across a broad range of criminal and traffic matters. From the outset, you will be exposed to the practical day-to-day work of criminal practice and supported to develop your skills across file management, client communication, legal analysis, preparation and advocacy.

As your experience and confidence grow, so will the level of responsibility you take on.

Day to day you will:

• Assist with and progressively manage a broad range of criminal and traffic matters.

• Attend court regularly and develop confidence appearing in mentions, adjournments, pleas, bail applications and other proceedings appropriate to your experience.

• Work closely with senior lawyers on serious and complex criminal matters.

• Review briefs of evidence and learn to identify the key factual, evidentiary and legal issues in a matter.

• Prepare correspondence, written advice, submissions and court documents.

• Assist with the preparation of defended hearings, sentencing proceedings, trials and appeals.

• Brief and work with barristers as your experience develops.

• Conference with clients and build the skills to provide clear, practical and empathetic advice.

• Develop strong file management, organisation and professional practice habits.

• Build your knowledge, judgment and confidence through regular feedback, supervision and mentoring.

About you

More than anything, we are looking for someone with a genuine interest in criminal law and the drive to become an excellent criminal lawyer.

You will bring:

• 0–2 years PAE, including newly admitted lawyers.

• A genuine passion for criminal law and criminal defence.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Sound legal research, analysis and problem-solving ability.

• A willingness to learn and actively seek feedback.

• A proactive and organised approach to your work.

• The ability to communicate with clients professionally and with empathy.

• A strong work ethic and attention to detail.

• Team spirit, integrity and a willingness to support your colleagues.

• A genuine desire to build strong technical, advocacy and practice management skills.

Previous criminal law experience is advantageous, but for the right candidate, attitude, aptitude and a genuine commitment to criminal law will be equally important.

What we Offer

• A competitive salary package that grows with your experience, plus mobile phone, CPD training, membership fees and practice certificate costs. 

• Regular court exposure with supervision and support appropriate to your level of experience.

• Hands-on experience across a broad range of criminal and traffic matters.

• Structured mentoring from experienced criminal defence practitioners.

• The opportunity to progressively take greater responsibility for your own matters as your skills develop.

• Direct exposure to serious and complex criminal matters and the opportunity to work with leading barristers.

• Professional skills training to develop your advocacy, technical and practical skills.

• Opportunities to work with highly regarded criminal defence practitioners across Canberra, Sydney and Perth.

• A close-knit and supportive workplace where junior lawyers are encouraged to ask questions, learn and develop.

• A genuine commitment to helping you build the foundations for a successful long-term career in criminal law.

How to apply

Send your CV and a short cover letter to ••••@hugolawgroup.com.au. Please note applications must be submitted via email and will not be considered through SEEK’s apply button. 

Applications close at 5pm on Thursday, 1 October 2026, however we reserve the right to close applications earlier if the right candidate is found. 

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.