Job Description

“Every trainee starts somewhere, this is where you rise.”

• Temporary Full-time from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027
• Real skills in Criminal, Family, or Civil Law
• Work from a Legal Aid office across NSW

Application Closing Date: Sunday 26 April 2026 at 11.59pm

This is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identified recruitment under Part 5, clause 26 of the Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014.

Why Legal Aid?

“Your story, your strength, and your culture have a place here.”

Legal Aid NSW is a place where your culture and your future are valued. We work with many Aboriginal clients across NSW, and your cultural knowledge and voice make our work stronger and more meaningful. You will learn from supportive staff, build real legal skills, and work in a team that’s committed to cultural safety and justice for community.

This traineeship is part of the Aboriginal Legal Career Pathways, which supports Aboriginal people to gain legal services qualifications and build strong careers in law. Starting as a Trainee Administration Officer gives you a solid foundation and opens the door to a range of Legal administration roles such as Law Clerk, Legal and Client Support Officer, and Paralegal.

By the time you finish, you’ll walk away with skills and experience that can open doors, whether at Legal Aid NSW or anywhere else.

About the role

“This traineeship is a doorway, a rare chance to earn real legal experience and a diploma at the same time.”

As a Trainee Administration Officer, you’ll work alongside administrative experts and legal teams in Criminal, Family, or Civil law, gaining hands‑on experience that most people only get after years of study. You’ll build practical skills, confidence and a solid understanding of how a real legal office works.

At the same time, you’ll complete a Diploma in Paralegal Services through a Registered Training Organisation such as TAFE NSW, all while earning a salary. Opportunities like this are extremely rare: one year of paid work, real legal administration exposure, and a nationally recognised qualification you can take anywhere.

With 28 offices across NSW, you may choose a location that keeps you connected to your mob and community (keeping in mind that placements are subject to operational needs and supervision availability). You’ll also attend six one‑week study blocks in Sydney, with the possibility of away‑from‑base allowance if you live outside of Sydney.

About you

“You don’t need a long resume just motivation and heart.”

You bring basic administration skills and at least three months’ experience in a legal or legal‑support environment. You’re reliable, motivated to learn, and able to balance work with study. You’re also committed to attending the six one‑week study blocks in Sydney, knowing they’re an important part of earning your diploma and building your future. Most importantly, you’re ready to take hold of an opportunity that gives you real legal experience and a respected diploma, a combination that strengthens your future career choices.

Please Note: Legal Aid NSW considers that being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification under s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

Applicants for this role must satisfy the Aboriginality criteria. Aboriginality is defined by descent through parentage, identification as being Aboriginal and being accepted in the community as such. In the pre-screening questions you will need to provide information on how you satisfy the Aboriginality criteria.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN LEGAL AID NSW!

We are committed to diversity and inclusion

We are committed to creating a culturally safe and genuinely inclusive organisation and workplace for everyone who works and interacts with us. We strive to be a place where people from diverse backgrounds want to work, where voices and cultures are valued and where people feel valued, welcomed, respected and heard.

We want a workforce that reflects our clients, so we can deliver a service that meets the needs of the community. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds - including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, the LGBTQI+ community, culturally diverse people and other diverse communities.

We acknowledge, support and accommodate the diverse access needs of people with visible and invisible disabilities.

For application support or recruitment adjustments please contact the Talent Acquisition Team at erecruitment@legalaid.nsw.gov.au or 02 9134 9347.

To learn more about Recruitment and Workplace Adjustments please visit Adjustments for individual needs | I Work for NSW.

Other benefits of working with us

• You will have access to training, development and mentoring opportunities.
• We are an accredited Flex Ready certified employer and are recognised as leaders in the area of flexible work. Most of our staff work flexibly - for example, from home some of the time or in a way that helps them balance family and work life.
• Find out more at Working at Legal Aid NSW

Essential requirements of the role

You must:

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Be willing to do a Criminal Record Check
• Have successfully completed Certificate IV in Legal Services
• Have at least 3 months experience in legal or legal support setting

How to apply

You must submit your application online. Applications received late or by email, will not be accepted. Please make sure your application is complete, and that you have answered the targeted question before submitting.

Your application must include:

• your resume (no more than 5 pages)
• cover letter (no more than 2 pages). In your cover letter, please respond to the following targeted question:
  • Target Question: Tell us about your general administration experience and why you are interested in the role?

We may use this recruitment to create a talent pool for similar ongoing or temporary vacancies we have over the next 18 months.

Want to yarn about the role?

• If you have questions or just want to talk it through, feel free to contact the Hiring Manager – Katrina Ellevsen, Project Officer on (02) 6768 4907 or email: katrina.ellevsen@legalaid.nsw.gov.au (Katrina is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi (Tamworth region)mob)
• You can contact the Aboriginal Services Branchto arrange a confidential conversation about any questions you may have too.
• Thesets out the responsibilities of the role.
• The focus capabilities and key accountabilities in the role description indicate what is expected at that level. Being familiar with these will help you understand what the panel will be looking for in the successful candidate.
• Applying for a Role
• Working at Legal Aid NSW

Closing Date: Sunday 26 April 2026 at 11.59pm

“Your journey starts with a single step. Take it with us.”

Legal Aid NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.