About the role
Our award-winning Cronulla beachside office is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working graduate lawyer to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity to build your career in a boutique firm, working alongside specialised solicitors and an outstanding team of experienced legal secretaries. You'll be part of a genuinely collaborative environment, with exposure to solicitors at every level - from graduates and junior lawyers through to Senior Associates, Accredited Specialists and our Managing Partners.
We welcome applications from admitted graduates, as well as university students due to graduate at the end of this year.
Opportunities currently exist in two of our teams - our business team (wills & estates and corporate & commercial law) and our family law team. Tell us in your application which area interests you most.
Our teams
Business team - Wills, Estates & Commercial Law
Our business team works across estate planning and commercial law, giving you broad exposure to both private client and corporate work. As a graduate in this team, you'll be exposed to:
● Asset protection
● Wills and complex estate planning, including testamentary trusts
● Incapacity planning
● Succession planning for companies and trusts
● Probate and estate administration
● Estate litigation disputes
● Superannuation
● Business structuring advice and commercial contracts
You'll work closely with our team, building technical skills across a genuinely varied practice area.
Family Law team
Our family law team handles complex, high-quality matters from the initial client meeting through to resolution and court appearances. As a graduate in this team, you'll be exposed to:
● Parenting arrangements
● Property settlements
● Divorce matters
● Child support
● Asset protection
● Binding financial agreements
● Mediations and court appearances
You'll receive ongoing mentorship from our team, including guidance from our award-winning Accredited Specialist and Managing Partner of the Family Law team.
About you
● An admitted graduate, or a university student due to graduate at the end of this year
● Genuine interest in family law and/or wills, estates and commercial law
● Initiative and enthusiasm
● A confident, professional manner
● Ability to work to tight deadlines
● Excellent communication and organisation skills
● Attention to detail
● A positive attitude and willingness to learn
Why Southern Waters
We're a supportive, team-focused firm that genuinely invests in our people professionally, financially and personally.
Career growth & recognition
- Exposure to senior solicitors' files and attendance of initial client meetings early on
- Increasing file ownership and autonomy as your confidence and experience grow
- We cover the cost of your professional registration, including your practising certificate, once admitted
- Nomination for graduate/early-career industry awards (rather than the general "local and national industry awards" line, which implies more seniority)
Team & culture ● Support from a team of specialised solicitors,
experienced legal secretaries and a growing team of talented graduates and paralegals.
● An annual team planning day, monthly team meetings, and solicitor-only sessions to stay aligned as a team and up to date on current legislative developments in your practice area
● Regular social events and peer-nominated recognition for the team
● Community focused firm with regular involvement in community events and fundraising initiatives
● A business-wide shutdown over the Christmas/Current Year period, so the whole team can switch off together
Wellbeing
● A beachside office location with onsite gym, pool and sauna
● Wellness initiatives including weekly team beachside walks and annual Shredtember PT sessions
● Partnered with an Employee Assistance Program providing free access to 3 x counselling sessions per year
● Bonus day off if your birthday falls on a workday
● Onsite parking and convenient public transport options nearby
● Office hours: 8.30am - 5.30pm with a 1 hour lunch break
Values
We live and work by our values and our successful culture is built on -
● Integrity
● Excellence
● Empathy
● Can-Do Attitude, and
● Communication & Teamwork
Ready to take the next step?
We're always looking for talented, passionate people to join Southern Waters. We offer a supportive environment where you can grow your career while making a real difference for our clients.
If you have graduated or are graduating at the end of this year (Dec 2026), we'd love to hear from you.
Email your CV and cover letter to
[email protected]
Please note, we may call you to discuss your application further. Only shortlisted applications will be invited to interview.
📌 Graduate Lawyer (Cronulla)
🏢 Southern Waters Legal
📍 Cronulla