Job Description
Law Clerk – Criminal Law | Build Your Career in Criminal Defence
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Smith Cambridge Lawyers | Bundall, Gold Coast QLD – Full-time or Part time | Law Students & Recent Graduates
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Want to become a criminal lawyer — not just work in a law office?
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Smith Cambridge Lawyers is a specialist criminal defence firm with offices on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane.
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We are looking for an ambitious Law Clerk to join our growing team in Bundall.
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This is an opportunity to get genuine, hands-on exposure to criminal law from day one.
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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.
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If you're serious about building a career in criminal law, we want to hear from you.
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Why Smith Cambridge?
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At a large firm, junior lawyers can sometimes spend years working on one small part of a matter.
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At Smith Cambridge, our boutique structure means you'll have the opportunity to see the whole picture.
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You'll be exposed to:
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Magistrates, District and Supreme Court matters
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Bail applications and sentencing
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Criminal charges and complex briefs of evidence
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Client conferences and communications
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Legal research and written submissions
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Preparation of court documents
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Case strategy and preparation
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Liaising with counsel and other legal professionals
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Court attendance across South East Queensland
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You'll learn how criminal matters actually work from the first client conference through to resolution.
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What you'll be doing
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Working directly with our solicitors, your role may include:
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Conducting legal research and preparing research memoranda
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Drafting correspondence, submissions and court documents
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Reviewing and analysing briefs of evidence
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Assisting with preparation for hearings, mentions, pleas and trials
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Preparing files and chronologies
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Attending Queensland courts
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Assisting solicitors with client conferences and case preparation
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Liaising professionally with clients, counsel and other stakeholders
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Maintaining accurate files and matter records
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Providing general legal and administrative support where required
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The emphasis is on learning, responsibility and developing practical legal skills.
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Who we're looking for
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We're looking for someone who is smart, driven and genuinely interested in criminal law.
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You will ideally:
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Be currently studying an LLB or JD, or be a recent law graduate
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Have a genuine interest in criminal defence
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Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
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Demonstrate strong legal research and analytical ability
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Be highly organised and able to manage competing deadlines
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Have excellent attention to detail
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Be confident communicating with clients and professional stakeholders
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Be emotionally intelligent, professional and discreet
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Be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
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Be willing to learn and take responsibility
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Have a current Australian's driver's licence and reliable vehicle
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Be available to travel to courts across South East Queensland when required
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Previous criminal-law experience is advantageous, but attitude, work ethic and genuine interest in criminal law are more important.
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What we offer
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Direct mentoring from experienced criminal lawyers
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Genuine exposure to Queensland courts
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Hands-on experience with live criminal matters
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Development of practical advocacy and litigation skills
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Meaningful legal research and drafting experience
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A supportive boutique environment where your contribution matters
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Exposure to complex and varied criminal matters
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Opportunities for increased responsibility as your skills develop
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Potential for ongoing employment and a graduate/solicitor pathway for the right person
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A professional workplace where initiative is encouraged
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The person who succeeds here
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We're not necessarily looking for the person with the longest CV.
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We're looking for someone who:
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wants to learn, takes ownership, thinks critically, works hard and genuinely wants to become an excellent criminal lawyer.
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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.
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The role
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Position: Law Clerk – Criminal Law
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Location: Bundall, Gold Coast
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Employment: Full-time or Part-time
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Salary: Competitive remuneration, commensurate with experience and availability
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Start: Immediate / negotiable
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A current driver's licence and reliable vehicle are required due to court attendance across South East Queensland.
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📌 Law Clerk - Criminal Lawyer (Gold Coast)
🏢 Smith Cambridge Lawyers
📍 Gold Coast