Law Clerk (Entry Level) – Government, Planning and Environment

Overview

Law Clerk (Entry Level) – Government, Planning and Environment Jobs in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia at Russell Kennedy

Title: Law Clerk (Entry Level) – Government, Planning and Environment

Company: Russell Kennedy

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Law Clerk (Entry Level) – Government, Planning and Environment

We are seeking to appoint an entry‑level Law Clerk to join our Government, Planning and Environment team, working 2-3 days per week. This role is ideally suited to a law student with a minimum of one year of relevant experience who is keen to develop practical skills in summary prosecutions.

Working closely with lawyers across busy and dynamic practice, you will gain hands‑on exposure to summary prosecutions, court processes and case preparation. This position will suit someone with strong administrative capability, a keen interest in government and criminal regulatory work, and a proactive, detail‑oriented approach. You will thrive in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment and take pride in producing accurate, high‑quality work.

This is an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation for a legal career within a collaborative and supportive team, where you will be trusted with meaningful responsibilities and encouraged to develop your skills and professional confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with preparing all aspects of a summary prosecution.
• Draft charge-sheet.
• Preparation of full brief of evidence.
• Preparation of documents for and assisting in filing documents in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria.
• Preparation of documents for service.
• Coordinating and managing Lawyers appearances and case management.
• Correspond with an accused, clients and courts when required.
• Preparing detailed chronologies.
• Reviewing and considering documents and preparing memorandums on discrete matters.
• Obtaining title and company searches.
• Preparing costs summaries.
• Preparing court summaries and other court documents on lawyer instruction.
• Preparing submissions for sentencing on lawyer instruction.
• Assistance with billing processes as required.
• Information / Precedent Management – ensuring precedents and templates are updated in accordance with legislative or firm changes.
• Communication – prioritise workflow and ensure fee earners are provided with feedback as to the status of current work, future tasks and significant dates.
• Team Support – assist other support staff with overflow work. Use initiative to identify and communicate suggestions for improvement in client service, teamwork, etc.

Skills/Knowledge

• Well‑developed administrative skills, including accurate typing and document preparation.
• Some exposure to criminal law, evidence and litigation procedures in Victorian courts and tribunals (including VCAT), or a strong interest in developing this knowledge.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with an ability to learn document management and billing systems.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high‑quality work.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of people.
• Organisational skills and the ability to support multiple team members while managing competing priorities.

Experience

• 12 months' administrative experience in a professional services environment is highly desirable.
• Relevant qualification such as an Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice, Bachelor of Criminal Justice, or a related field, or currently studying and in the early stages of a Bachelor of Laws (applications from law students encouraged).
• A basic understanding of litigation processes and legal procedures, or a strong willingness to learn.

Further Information
Any questions regarding the vacancy can be directed to Heidi Connell on (03) 9609 1517. For further information or to submit your application for this position please visit the careers page on our website. Please note any offer of employment made by Russell Kennedy Lawyers to the successful candidate will be subject to a police check. We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only. No agency referrals will be accepted at this stage.

Our Firm and Culture
Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 340 people in Melbourne and Sydney. We are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market-leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.

As part of our team, you'll receive hands-on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle. We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.

Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, as well as being certified as a gold employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for employers with 500 or less employees. We respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm supports and promotes a range of initiatives to create an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. There is a particular focus and emphasis on gender equality, inclusion of First Nations peoples, accessibility for people with disability, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and cultural diversity. Russell Kennedy is recognised by Australian Disability Network as a Disability Confident Recruiter employer.

Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent available. We acknowledge the importance of work-life balance, all current and prospective employees have access to flexible work options and workplace adjustments including alternate accessible formats, where required. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact Leanda Nissen on [email protected].

Russell Kennedy Lawyers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet and work. Our offices are situated on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri and Gadigal peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, to their emerging leaders and to the resilience, creativity and vitality of their cultures including their laws and systems of governance.