Volunteer Legal Assistant

Our Firm

Verde Lawyers is a boutique Sydney law practice acting primarily in family, commercial, wills and estates, notarial and immigration matters. Our client base includes both corporate and individual clients in Australia and internationally. 

We are offering one volunteer position to law students who want real exposure to legal practice and the chance to be trained by experienced practising lawyers.

The position

• Two days per week. You are required to attend our office on both days; this is not a remote position.
• Days are set around your class timetable and fixed for the duration of the position.
• Minimum commitment of one university semester, with the option to continue.
• Based at our office at Suite 301, Level 3, 507 Kent St, Sydney, NSW 2000
• The position is voluntary and unpaid. Reasonable out-of-pocket daily expenses will be compensated.
• You will be asked to sign a confidentiality undertaking before your first day.

Training and supervision

You will be trained by our lawyers. Every task is allocated and supervised by an admitted solicitor, who will review your work and give you feedback on it. You will work alongside the solicitor responsible for the file.

At the end of the position, you will receive a written reference from your supervising solicitor, and a signed record of your attendance as evidence of your experience gained at our firm.

What you will be involved in

You will have the opportunity to assist in the drafting of legal documents, with guidance and mentorship from our experienced team.

Across our practice areas, this includes but is not limited to:

• Family law: chronologies, affidavits, disclosure and mediation materials in property and parenting matter
• Commercial: reviewing and marking up contracts, leases and business sale agreements
• Wills and estates: drafting wills, powers of attorney and appointments of enduring guardian, and probate applications
• Immigration: visa applications, supporting submissions and statutory declarations, and merits review submissions at the ART
• Notarial: client-facing notarial appointments and apostille and legalisation documentation.
• Legal research on discrete points of law and policy, correspondence, and file management.

Who we are looking for

• Enrolled in an LLB or JD at an Australian university, in third year or above.
• Careful, accurate written English and close attention to detail.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Discretion and a clear understanding of client confidentiality.
• Genuine interest in at least one of our practice areas. No prior legal experience required.

How to apply

Send the following to info@verdelawyers.com with the subject line “Volunteer Legal Assistant – [Your Name]”:

• A one-page cover letter setting out the practice areas that interest you and your availabilities to work
• Your CV
• An unofficial academic transcript

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, as we will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate has been found.