Regional Graduate Solicitor Program - Grade I-III

Regional Graduate Solicitor Program Temporary Contract – Various Regional Locations

Salary range of $95,301 to $100,086 pa (plus superannuation & annual leave loading)

2.5-Year Contract (30 months) – Full-Time, 35 hours per week

Regional locations include: Albury, Broken Hill, Dubbo, Moree, Tamworth, and Wagga Wagga

About Us Legal Aid NSW helps people with their legal problems in areas like criminal law, family law, and civil law issues. We provide legal advice and representation, reaching out to some of the most vulnerable members of the community. Our regional offices play a critical role in ensuring equitable access to justice across NSW.

About The Role The Regional Graduate Solicitor Program is a structured program designed for new lawyers to gain hands-on experience in criminal law while making a meaningful contribution to regional communities.

The Program Requires

Intensive training: A 2-week induction program with experienced trainers and advocates.

Initial placement in Sydney for up to 6 months, working in CBD and metro offices to build foundational legal skills.

After completion of the initial Sydney placement candidates will then undertake a mandatory 12-month placement in a regional location (Albury, Broken Hill, Dubbo, Moree, Tamworth, or Wagga Wagga). You must be willing to relocate to any of these locations, depending on office needs.

A temporary, Sydney-based or regional role after your 12-month regional placement, ensuring continued career development.

Dedicated mentoring and supervision throughout the program to develop your legal and advocacy skills.

As a Regional Graduate Solicitor, you will provide legal advice and representation to clients, appear in court, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver high-quality, culturally sensitive legal services.

About You We are seeking dedicated and adaptable new lawyers who:

Are prepared to relocate regionally for a minimum of 12 months as a requirement of the program.

Be admitted as legal practitioner by the closing date and have proof of your admission (or earlier).

Have less than 12 months post-admission experience (PQE).

Are committed to developing expertise in criminal law.

Have a valid driver’s licence and the ability to travel, including overnight stays.

Are committed to providing culturally safe legal services and working with diverse communities.

This program requires a firm commitment, including mandatory relocation for the regional placement.

Why You Should Join Legal Aid NSW

Structured career pathway with hands-on experience in criminal law.

Guaranteed Sydney-based role after 12 months in a regional location.

Three weeks of provided accommodation to assist with relocation to your regional placement.

Comprehensive training and mentorship to develop your legal and advocacy skills.

Competitive salary with opportunities for advancement.

Access to professional development, including Sydney-based training and legal conferences.

Be part of an inclusive and diverse workplace, committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Diversity & Inclusion We are committed to creating a culturally safe and genuinely inclusive organisation and workplace for everyone who works and interacts with us. We strive to be a place where people from diverse backgrounds want to work, where voices and cultures are valued and where people feel valued, welcomed, respected and heard. We want a workforce that reflects our clients, so we can deliver a service that meets the needs of the community. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds — including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, the LGBTQI+ community, culturally diverse people and other diverse communities. We acknowledge, support and accommodate the diverse access needs of people with visible and invisible disabilities.

Support & Contacts For application support (including accessing information or require the application in an alternate format) or recruitment adjustments please contact the Talent Acquisition Team at erecruitment@legalaid.nsw.gov.au or 02 9134 9347. To learn more about Recruitment and Workplace Adjustments please visit Adjustments for individual needs | I Work for NSW.

Other Benefits Of Working With Us

You will have access to training, development and mentoring opportunities.

We are an accredited Flex Ready and Carers and Employers certified employer and are recognised as leaders in flexible work. Most of our staff work flexibly — for example, from home some of the time or in a way that helps them balance family and work life.

Find out more at Working at Legal Aid NSW.

The Essential Requirements

Must be admitted as a legal practitioner in NSW prior to the 3rd May 2026.

Provide a current NSW Practising Certificate before commencing.

Hold Australian or NZ citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency (for ongoing vacancies) or a valid visa to work in Australia (for temporary vacancies).

Be willing to undergo a Criminal Record Check and Working with Children Check.

Hold a valid Driver’s Licence and be willing to undertake circuit work including overnight stays.

How To Apply You must submit your application online at iworkfor.nsw.gov.au. Applications received late or by email will not be accepted. Please make sure your application is complete, and that you have answered all questions before submitting.

Your Application Must Include

Your resume (maximum 5 pages)

Cover letter (maximum 2 pages). In your cover letter, please respond to the following two Targeted Questions:

Targeted Question 1: Why are you interested in the Regional Graduate Solicitor Program?

Targeted Question 2: What skills do you have that would assist you in practising criminal law in a regional location?

If you would like to know more about these positions, the application process or the regional locations please join us.

12 noon 4th February - Join the meeting now

5pm 11th March - Join the meeting now

Do you need help to apply? It’s important to properly prepare before you apply for a role. Here is some other information to help you:

If you have any role-specific questions, contact Steven Wright on (02) 9219 6330.

If you are an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are thinking about applying, you can contact the Aboriginal Services Branch to arrange a confidential conversation about any questions you may have.

The Role Description sets out the responsibilities of the role.

Legal Aid NSW is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and cultural safety. Adjustments can be made for applicants with disabilities.

Applications Close: Sunday 03 May 2026 at 11:59PM

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