Volunteer PLT Placement – 4–5 Days per Week at Surge Legal

Surge Legal is seeking a motivated and capable law student or graduate requiring work experience as part of their Practical Legal Training (PLT) program. We are looking for someone available to attend the Parramatta office 4–5 days per week, with an immediate start preferred.

Mandarin-speaking applicants are encouraged to apply, as most of our clients are Mandarin speakers. The ability to communicate confidently in both English and Mandarin would be highly regarded.

This placement offers hands-on experience across family law, criminal law and property law, working directly under the supervision of the firm’s Principal Solicitor and alongside our solicitors. You will receive practical training, mentoring and exposure to the day-to-day conduct of legal matters.

Your work will include assisting with:

• Drafting legal documents, including affidavits, court applications and consent orders.

• Attending client conferences and preparing file notes.

• Conducting legal research.

• Liaising with courts, clients and third parties under supervision.

• Conveyancing transactions and settlements.

• Preparing briefs and supporting criminal matters.

• General administrative and legal support tasks.

• Observing court proceedings and preparing attendance notes.

Key selection criteria:

• Currently undertaking, or about to commence, a PLT program with an outstanding work experience requirement.

• Availability to attend the office 4–5 days per week.

• A strong interest in family law and/or criminal law.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• A professional, organised and proactive approach.

• Discretion, reliability and strong attention to detail.

• Willingness to learn and respond constructively to feedback.

• Mandarin language skills would be highly regarded, but are not essential.

Placement terms and future opportunities

This is an unpaid, supervised PLT placement, subject to approval by your PLT provider. Its duration will be agreed having regard to your remaining course requirements.

We anticipate a possible full-time employment opportunity around January–February 2027. The successful candidate may be considered for that opportunity, subject to performance, suitability and the firm’s staffing needs. Future employment is not guaranteed.

Subject to satisfactory progress, we may review whether a discretionary honorarium can be offered after 6–8 weeks. No payment is promised, and any arrangement will be considered consistently with applicable workplace requirements.

How to apply

Please email your CV and a short cover letter to info@surgelegal.com.au, outlining your PLT status, remaining placement days, earliest start date and availability.

learn more about us at ABOUT US | Surge Legal