Expect responsibility. You’ll work in a supportive environment so that almost as soon as you start, you can take charge of a file load, deal directly with a diverse range of clients, and appear in court on their behalf. You’ll be doing a whole lot more than photocopying, research and paperwork!
Expect variety. Your placement in a regional law firm will expose you to a diverse range of work across criminal, family and civil law that you might not get in a large city firm, giving you the right mix of skills and experience to build a successful legal career.
You could find yourself working on cases that cover issues such as domestic violence, child protection, criminal compensation, human rights and anti-discrimination, immigration, contact and residence, stalking and drug charges.
One week you could be involved in a case in the Mental Health Court and the next acting as duty lawyer in the local magistrates court.
Expect a challenge. In this role you’ll be helping some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Queensland’s regions — people who face multiple difficulties such as poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, chronic unemployment, drug and alcohol dependence and literacy issues. The work can be challenging, but is definitely rewarding.