Law Clerk – Criminal Law | Build Your Career in Criminal Defence
Smith Cambridge Lawyers | Bundall, Gold Coast QLD
Full-time or Part time | Law Students & Recent Graduates
Want to become a criminal lawyer — not just work in a law office?
Smith Cambridge Lawyers is a specialist criminal defence firm with offices on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane.
We are looking for an ambitious
Law Clerk
to join our growing team in Bundall.
This is an opportunity to get
genuine, hands-on exposure to criminal law from day one
.
You'll work closely with experienced criminal lawyers, attend court, assist with live matters, undertake legal research and drafting, and see first-hand how criminal cases are prepared and defended.
If you're serious about building a career in criminal law,
we want to hear from you.
Why Smith Cambridge?
At a large firm, junior lawyers can sometimes spend years working on one small part of a matter.
At Smith Cambridge, our boutique structure means you'll have the opportunity to see the
whole picture
.
You'll be exposed to:
Magistrates, District and Supreme Court matters
Bail applications and sentencing
Criminal charges and complex briefs of evidence
Client conferences and communications
Legal research and written submissions
Preparation of court documents
Case strategy and preparation
Liaising with counsel and other legal professionals
Court attendance across South East Queensland
You'll learn how criminal matters actually work from the first client conference through to resolution.
What you'll be doing
Working directly with our solicitors, your role may include:
Conducting legal research and preparing research memoranda
Drafting correspondence, submissions and court documents
Reviewing and analysing briefs of evidence
Assisting with preparation for hearings, mentions, pleas and trials




Preparing files and chronologies
Attending Queensland courts
Assisting solicitors with client conferences and case preparation
Liaising professionally with clients, counsel and other stakeholders
Maintaining accurate files and matter records
Providing general legal and administrative support where required
The emphasis is on learning, responsibility and developing practical legal skills.
Who we're looking for
We're looking for someone who is
smart, driven and genuinely interested in criminal law
.
You will ideally:
Be currently studying an LLB or JD, or be a recent law graduate
Have a genuine interest in criminal defence
Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrate strong legal research and analytical ability
Be highly organised and able to manage competing deadlines
Have excellent attention to detail
Be confident communicating with clients and professional stakeholders
Be emotionally intelligent, professional and discreet
Be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
Be willing to learn and take responsibility
Have a current Australian driver's licence and reliable vehicle
Be available to travel to courts across South East Queensland when required
Previous criminal-law experience is advantageous, but attitude, work ethic and genuine interest in criminal law are more important.
What we offer
More than a job — a pathway into criminal law.
We want the right person to grow with the firm.
You will receive:




✓ Direct mentoring from experienced criminal lawyers
✓ Genuine exposure to Queensland courts
✓ Hands-on experience with live criminal matters
✓ Development of practical advocacy and litigation skills
✓ Meaningful legal research and drafting experience
✓ A supportive boutique environment where your contribution matters
✓ Exposure to complex and varied criminal matters
✓ Opportunities for increased responsibility as your skills develop
✓ Potential for ongoing employment and a graduate/solicitor pathway for the right person
✓ A professional workplace where initiative is encouraged
The person who succeeds here
We're not necessarily looking for the person with the longest CV.
We're looking for someone who:
wants to learn, takes ownership, thinks critically, works hard and genuinely wants to become an excellent criminal lawyer.
If you're the type of law student who wants to be in court rather than simply reading about court, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.
The role
Position:
Law Clerk – Criminal Law
Location:
Bundall, Gold Coast
Employment:
Full-time or Part-time
Salary:
Competitive remuneration, commensurate with experience and availability
Start:
Immediate / negotiable
A current driver's licence and reliable vehicle are required due to court attendance across South East Queensland.
Apply now
Please submit:
Your CV; and
A brief cover letter explaining
why you want to practise criminal law
and your current study/availability.
Applications should be directed to:
Troy Smith
Smith Cambridge Lawyers
••••@smithcambridge.com.au
If you're looking for a law clerk position that gives you real responsibility, real court exposure and a genuine pathway into criminal law, apply today.

📌 Law Clerk - Criminal Lawyer (Gold Coast)
🏢 Smith Cambridge Lawyers
📍 Gold Coast