Overview

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 adaptable work arrangements available - Presence in the office is 3-4 times per week. We are located at Parkline Place, 252 Pitt Street, Sydney.

Program details

Classification : Legal Officer Grade I-III

Salary : $93,413 - $106,182 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

We are excited to receive applications from talented First Nations law graduates to join the CSO Graduate Development Program (for admitted solicitors). Our intake commences in February 2027.

Our program

We offer a two-year graduate development program for admitted solicitors comprising rotations across various legal practice groups, with 2 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

- A strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards is essential.
- Applicants may work with content that may be disturbing or upsetting.




- 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.

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.

Completion of a law degree and practical legal training by January 2027 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 or email to further discuss.

If you would like to chat with a First Nations employee or needs support during the application process, please contact Margaret Ters, Talent Acquisition Partner on or email to further discuss.

Closing date

Closing date : Tuesday, 4 August 2026 (AEST 7:59 PM)

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 focused 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 the 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.

Flexible working and health & wellbeing

We have 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 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
- 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:

- employee assistance program to support wellbeing of employees and their families
- specialised clinicians available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
- coaching services for people leaders and executives to support wellbeing
- annual Flu Vaccination program
- Fitness Passport program access for staff and their families
- proactive wellbeing supervision program for employees working on sensitive matters

The National Indigenous Times acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation. We recognise Aboriginal Community's continuing connection to their lands, waters and stories and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.

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📌 Graduate Solicitor - First Nations (City of Sydney)
🏢 Theibr
📍 City of Sydney