Graduate Lawyer

Graduate Lawyer | Casualty Team (Melbourne)

Launch Your Legal Career with DWF Australia

Are you a high-achieving law graduate looking to build your career in insurance litigation?

DWF Australia is seeking an exceptional Graduate Lawyer to join our Casualty team in Melbourne. This is a unique opportunity to become part of our established national Graduate Program, designed to provide structured development, practical legal experience, mentorship, and a clear pathway to qualification and progression as a lawyer.

Working alongside leading insurance lawyers, you will gain hands-on experience in public liability and casualty matters, while developing the technical, commercial, and client-facing skills required to succeed in a modern legal practice.

About the Opportunity

As a Graduate Lawyer in our Casualty team, you will work closely with Partners, Special Counsel and experienced lawyers on a diverse range of litigated and unlitigated insurance matters.

From day one, you will be involved in meaningful legal work, including:

• Assisting with the management of casualty and public liability claims

• Conducting legal research and analysing relevant case law

• Reviewing and preparing legal documentation

• Drafting pleadings, correspondence, court documents and settlement agreements

• Preparing briefs to counsel and experts

• Communicating with insurers, insured clients, barristers, experts and other stakeholders

• Attending mediations, conferences and court appearances

• Supporting business development and client engagement initiatives

• Developing the skills required to manage your own matters as you progress towards qualification

Our Graduate Program

When you join DWF, you're not simply stepping into a graduate role. You're joining a nationally recognised, structured Graduate Program designed to support your transition from graduate to lawyer.

The program provides:

• A dedicated mentor and buddy

• Regular development conversations and structured feedback

• Practical Legal Training (PLT) support

• Access to DWF Academy and extensive learning resources

• Technical legal skills training delivered by experienced practitioners

• Professional development focused on commercial awareness, client relationships and communication

• A collaborative network of fellow graduates across Australia

• A clear pathway towards qualification and progression within the firm

You'll be part of a cohort of graduates undertaking the program nationally, providing opportunities to build lasting professional connections while learning from experienced legal professionals across the business.

About You

We are looking for individuals who are motivated, intellectually curious and eager to build a long-term career in insurance law.

To be successful, you will have:

• A completed Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor with a Distinction average or above

• Strong academic performance and legal analytical skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to a high-performing team

• Strong attention to detail and organisational capability

• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications

• A genuine interest in adopting new technologies, including AI tools

• A proactive mindset and a commitment to continuous learning

Previous experience as a paralegal or law clerk within an Australian law firm will be highly regarded.

Why DWF?

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We work with many of Australia's leading insurers, corporations and government organisations, delivering practical and commercially focused legal solutions.

At DWF, you'll benefit from:

• Exposure to complex and interesting insurance litigation matters

• Access to experienced Partners and legal leaders

• A supportive and inclusive culture

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements

• Structured career development and learning opportunities

• National graduate networking opportunities

• A genuine investment in your long-term career success

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you're an ambitious law graduate ready to build your career with a global legal business and an established graduate development program, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and take the first step towards becoming a lawyer at DWF Australia.