Graduate Solicitor

Full job description
Division: Crown Solicitor's Office
Location: Sydney, NSW, AU, 2000
Req ID: 76306
Graduate Solicitor – First Nations Targeted


Join the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO) Graduate Development Program
Invest in your career to become a trusted legal advisor
Located in Sydney CBD, with flexible work arrangements available - Presence in the office is required 3-4 times per week. * Our primary place of work is the CSO Office located at 60-70 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Please note we will be relocating to a new premises located at Parkline Place, 252 Pitt Street, Sydney in July 2026.

Classification Grade: Legal Officer Grade I-III

Salary: $90,692 - $103,089 p.a. (excluding employer’s contribution to superannuation and annualised leave loading)

Work type: Full-Time, 35 hours per week, temporary employment for up to 3 years (with the possibility of ongoing employment upon successful completion of the Program)

We are excited to receive applications from talented First Nations law graduates to join the CSO Graduate Development Program (for admitted solicitors). We have two programs commencing in the next 12 months, a winter intake starting in August 2025 and a summer intake starting in February 2026.


Our program

We offer a two-year graduate development program for admitted solicitors comprising rotations across various legal practice groups, with x number of placements specifically for First Nations graduates. These rotations provide an opportunity for admitted solicitors to develop their skills in advice writing, litigation and transactional work. Successful candidates will be provided with on-the-job training, which is complemented by a structured learning program. Candidates will also learn from highly experienced legal professionals and work on unique and varied legal matters.


About the role

We are looking for highly motivated First Nations law graduates who are looking to invest in their careers to become NSW Government’s most trusted legal advisors. As a Solicitor in the Graduate Development Program, you will participate in a two-year rotational program and gain meaningful legal experience working in three different legal practice groups. You will develop the skills and experience required to conduct assigned legal matters as well as assist senior solicitors in the conduct of their legal matters (advice, transaction and/or litigation).

Please be advised that most practice groups at the CSO regularly handle highly sensitive and potentially distressing photographic imagery, video, audio and other materials. This content may include graphic and explicit material that requires a high level of professionalism, emotional resilience, and discretion. The CSO provides professional wellbeing support to assist.

We acknowledge and recognise that some areas of the law may cause greater impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates and offer support throughout the placement as well as considering preferred practice groups.


Key Considerations:

Applicants may work with content that may be disturbing or upsetting.
A strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards is essential.
Emotional resilience and the ability to manage stress effectively are crucial for this role.
Support and resources are available to help manage the impact of exposure to sensitive content.
We encourage you to consider these factors carefully before applying. Your wellbeing and ability to perform at your best is of utmost importance to us.


To be eligible for the program, you must be admitted as a legal practitioner in NSW prior to the commencement of the program for which you are applying to.

A recruitment pool may also be created from this recruitment process to fill similar ongoing and temporary roles that may become available over the next 18 months.

To learn more about the role, please review the role description here.


Essential requirements

Completion of a law degree and practical legal training by July 2025 or January 2026 (depending on the program intake) from an accredited law school or completion of the Legal Practitioners Admission Board’s Diploma in Law Course.
Admission as a legal practitioner in NSW and eligibility to hold a NSW practising certificate prior to commencement in the program.
You must identify as First Nations

How to apply:

For your application to be considered, you must submit your application online and include:

an updated resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role
a copy of your qualifications (e.g. academic transcript)
The selection process may include a range of assessment techniques to assist hiring managers in determining your suitability for the role.

You can request adjustments throughout each step of the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or alternative formats to participate in the process, please contact Margaret Ters, Talent Acquisition Partner on 0427 413 924 or email margaret.ters@cso.nsw.gov.au to further discuss.

If you would like to chat with a First Nations employee or need support during the application process, please contact Margaret Ters, Talent Acquisition Partner on 0427 413 924 or email margaret.ters@cso.nsw.gov.au to further discuss.


Closing date: Tuesday, 22 July 2025 (AEST 7:59PM)


Recruitment enquiries: Margaret Ters, Talent Acquisition Partner on 0427 413 924 or email margaret.ters@cso.nsw.gov.au


Why work for CSO?

The NSW Crown Solicitors Office (CSO) provides high-quality and cost-effective legal services to the NSW Government and its agencies. As a trusted legal advisor to the NSW Government, our principal role is to advise and represent agencies so that they can deliver policies, programs and projects in a lawful, effective and efficient manner.

We act with integrity and professional independence, guided by the government sector's core values. We are focussed on providing excellent client service and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

We provide employees with opportunities to learn, develop and adapt within an inclusive and supportive environment. Additionally, First Nations employees may access further support through our First Nations Employee Network.

For more information about the CSO, click here.


CSO's commitment to diversity

At CSO, we believe a diverse and inclusive workforce contributes to the success of our organisation and we are committed to ensuring that our workforce reflects our diverse community.

We welcome and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants and people from diverse backgrounds, including people with disability, , the LGBTQIA+ community, culturally and linguistically diverse people, veterans and other diverse communities.

We actively work to create a culturally safe and supportive environment and have programs and initiatives in place to support our strong commitment to reconciliation and First Nations employees.


Our commitment to flexible working

The CSO has adopted a teams-based approach to flexible working. We recognise that everyone has different needs and preferences, and our flexible work culture allows you to adapt your work routine to suit you. We’re all about flexibility, productivity and driving good client outcomes.

We have generous leave provisions available for our employees that acknowledge individual preferences and responsibilities including:

up to 20 days recreation leave and up to 18 days flex leave per annum
20 days purchased leave annually
inclusive paid parental leave provisions of up to 16 weeks which can be taken flexibly within 24 months to support the birth, adoption, altruistic surrogacy or permanent out-of-home care placement of a child
study time up to 4 hours per week
extended leave of up to 44 days after 10 years or up to 30.8 days after 7 years of service.
NAIDOC leave is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to participate in cultural activities.

How we support health wellbeing:

we offer an employee assistance program to support the wellbeing of employees in the workplace and in their personal lives, which also extends to family members. Specialised clinicians are available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
coaching services are available for people leaders and executives to learn and implement best practices to manage their team’s wellbeing
we offer an annual Flu Vaccination program
we provide access to the Fitness Passport program – a discounted workplace health and fitness program available to staff and their families
we provide a proactive wellbeing program to support employees working on sensitive matters.
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