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How to find a legal role

Published:
08 Aug 2024
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How to find a legal role

Are you on the lookout for a rewarding legal role? With all the formalities and drawn-out processes, the journey can be overwhelming.

From writing a professional resume, to tailoring your cover letter, to nailing your interview. There are many stages to get right.

We get it. And we’ve got your back.

In this guide, we take you through everything you need to find (and land) a perfect fit. Expect plenty of insider secrets along the way!

 

1. Explore the job market - strategically 

To find the right job for you, you first need to understand your options. Because when you know what opportunities are out there, you can focus your efforts in the right direction.

But where should you begin your search? Start by taking a look at the College’s Jobs Board, browse online job search engines – or even explore the hidden job market.

Want to maximise your odds? Try all three.

The College of Law’s Jobs Board

Our noticeboard provides more opportunities for law students than any other website in Australia. And with our deep

connections throughout the legal industry, we actively source new employers – often hosting over 100 jobs at any one time.

We also provide a free service where you can post your resume on the noticeboard. Upload, relax and let employers search for you.

To get started, visit collaw.edu.au/jobs.

Online job boards

Simply search Google for ‘graduate lawyer jobs’ and you’ll find a range of job databases. All-purpose job boards. Legal-specific job boards. Dedicated career pages for each firm. And government jobs sites and LinkedIn pages.

But keep in mind, the convenience of applying through these websites means you’ll be competing with a large talent pool. So to gain an edge, make sure your resume and cover letter stand out from the crowd. (Refer to our tips in Section 2.)

And if your research is running dry, be creative. Expand your search criteria to broaden your potential legal pathways. You may want to consider other cities or types of organisations.

 

Social justice, community and volunteering websites

Legal websites  

Legal recruiters  

Government jobs – federal, state and local

 

The hidden job market

How do you access a market that’s hidden? By putting yourself out there and building a profile in the legal profession.

A favourable referral from an employer, peer or colleague will spare you the time and costs normally required in the traditional recruitment process.

Sometimes, positions can even be built around you if your profile and skillset resonate with an employer.

Want to land an unadvertised job? Here are some tips to build your connections and give yourself every opportunity.

  • Have purposeful and planned discussions with your legal seniors to discuss your options
  • Join and participate in your local law society or a special interest group
  • Volunteer at your local, regional, interstate or overseas legal community centre
  • Participate in mentor programs
  • Sign up for networking events and connect with professionals on LinkedIn
  • Explore interim roles outside of the law to develop transferable skills

 

2. Perfect your first impression

Once you’ve identified the roles that interest you, it’s time to craft a compelling resume and cover letter to grab the employer’s attention.

These documents are often the difference between you and other candidates. (And you want to be the proud owner of a winning one.)

We’ve collated our top resume and cover letter tips to help you stand out in this competitive field.

The art of the killer resume

A first-rate resume is your ticket to the next stage of your job search: the all-important interview. So invest the time to create one that’s relevant, direct, concise – and reflects you.

Unsure of what you should cover? Follow these three tips and you can’t go wrong.

Include only the important details

It’s easy to get carried away when filling out your resume. But this is not the place to recap your life story or showcase your creative writing.

Instead, keep things clear and concise. And stick to the must-know details. Also, don’t forget to tailor your resume for each job you apply for.

Include these key points and you’ll be off to a flying start:

  • Contact details
  • Career overview
  • Legal career history
  • Education and PLT
  • Professional association memberships
  • Volunteer experience
  • Other work experience

Draw out your skills

Highlight your work experience and transferable skills. The key is to highlight your worth with punch and authority.

If you claim you have ‘well-developed writing skills’, then prove it. When possible, support your statements with an example. Better yet, provide irrefutable numbers or statistics for example, money you saved, projects delivered ahead of time or under budget, to demonstrate your capabilities in real-world situations.

What if you don’t have much professional experience?

You can still emphasise the skills and accomplishments you gained during your studies, internships or part-time jobs. These could include research, client management or public speaking – all desirable traits that employers will be seeking in a lawyer.

Present it professionally

You’ve got all your information down. Now you need to make your resume shine with a visual design to match.

Spend time finessing the layout with an easy-to-read font, clear headings and ample white space. Most importantly, keep your resume to within two pages (unless the job ad specifies otherwise).

Craft a knockout cover letter

Your resume and cover letter go together as a complementary pair. So when it comes to your cover letter, resist the urge to rephrase what’s in your resume.

Instead, include new information that will hook the recruiter or employer – and leave them curious for more. Here’s how you can prepare a compelling cover letter.

Master your introduction

Recruiters are busy people. So your opening paragraph will often make or break your entire application.

Use this valuable space to identify the job position and how you found it. Then dive into how you align with the employer’s culture, values and needs.

To source this insider info, scour through the company’s website, LinkedIn profile and online publications. Then use your findings to build a case for why you want to join their team.

Tell your story

A standard cover letter has three to four paragraphs. This is your opportunity to demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the advertised role.

How? By addressing the selection criteria in the job ad – and how your unique blend of skills and experience will benefit their firm.

Be specific, supporting each statement with evidence.

Also, many employers now use AI algorithms to shortlist candidates. If you fail to address their job description, you might be overlooked before a single human even reads your application.

Wrap it up strongly

Finish your cover letter on a positive, enthusiastic note.

Reinforce how you can contribute to their firm and that you welcome the opportunity to meet for an interview.

Be sure to mention your resume or any supporting documents, like your academic transcript.

LAW GRADUATE SAMPLE COVER LETTER

Download the full step-by-step guide to writing a knockout cover letter to catch the attention of your potential employer.

3. Keep building your experience

While you’re job searching, make use of your free time by staying proactive. Remain on the lookout for opportunities to expand your experience and knowledge.

Why? Employers value self-starters who take initiative.

Not only will your enthusiasm give you an edge over other candidates, but it will also prepare you to transition from student to professional.

Take on unpaid work and activities

Unpaid work or internships can set you apart and become your key to entering the legal profession.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with real legal cases and expand your professional network.

You can also get active within your university’s law student society.

Or you can join an association that hosts events simulating the legal world – with activities like mooting, debates and client interviews. By mingling with your peers, you’ll gain more confidence and connections. You might even find a great mentor too.

Certify yourself and build your credentials

As every other candidate is also applying with law school credentials, you should expand your repertoire and bulk up your resume with valuable workplace skills.

You might like to join a webinar on communication or time-management – and upskill your capabilities in areas that are very relevant to the legal profession.

To stay informed with the latest legal insights, join The College of Law’s free monthly career webinar. We invite legal professionals to share advice – and law graduates to recap their first year in practice.

Stay on top of trends

The legal world is fast-paced. To become – and remain – an effective lawyer, you must have a firm grasp of the latest developments. And luckily, it’s all readily available online.

Subscribe to law publications like Survive Law, Lawyers Weekly or LSJ, follow influential law firms on social media or simply tune in to podcasts that discuss the areas of law you’re most interested in.

 

4. Ace your interview

Congrats! You’ve booked your first interview – and you’re one step closer to landing a job. Now it’s time to prepare for what’s to come.

The good news is, if you’ve made it this far, the interviewer wants to learn more about you! So let your personality, professionalism and presence shine.

Before the interview

Want to start your interview feeling confident and assured? Research is key.

Get to know your prospective employer and understand the role you’re applying for by:

  • Studying the job description and key criteria
  • Browsing through the company’s website and LinkedIn profile

And remember, interviews are a two-way street.

So prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer. Tailor your questions to the role and what interests you about the firm.

During the interview

Interviews can be daunting to even the most seasoned professionals.

Thankfully, there are a few essential tips to help you put your best foot forward.

  • Be punctual and presentable
  • Get rid of distractions by silencing your phone
  • Show enthusiasm through your body language
  • Share your genuine interest in the role and organisation
  • If you can’t immediately answer a question, ask for a moment to pause and collect your thoughts

Ask questions and build rapport with the interviewer.

After the interview

After your interview is done and dusted, now’s the time to bring it home. How? By sending a follow-up email… 48 hours later.

This is your opportunity to reinforce your suitability for and interest in the role – and to set yourself apart from all those candidates who didn’t do the same.

After that, be patient. The firm might be interviewing other candidates throughout the week. Harassing them with emails or calls will only set you back.

But if the interviewer has gone past the decision date, you can gently follow up again after 24-48 hours.

Meanwhile, keep looking for more jobs until you’ve officially signed a contract.

 

5. Remain Positive in Your Job Search

The job application process won’t always be smooth sailing. And you will likely receive knockbacks along the way.

A rejection email (or worse, no response at all) can be especially disheartening when you’ve put so much time, effort and emotional energy into a role. It’s even more frustrating when you don’t know why it didn’t work out.

But remember, this is simply the reality of the job market – and nothing personal. So step back and realise that staying positive is key to your job search journey.

Stay focused and committed

We recommend practising Krumboltz’s Happenstance Learning Theory (HLT) to help you stay on track. To remain upbeat and increase your odds for success, lean on these five attributes:

  1. Curiosity: Learn something new regardless of where it leads.
  2. Persistence: Keep trying, even in the face of rejection or silence.
  3. Flexibility: Adapt yourself or your aims by finding a different path if things don’t go according to plan.
  4. Optimism: Believe that your goals are within reach and every experience is beneficial. There may even be better offers that you didn’t dream of down the road.
  5. Risk-taking: Stay proactive and pursue every chance that comes your way.

Your road ahead may have a few twists and turns

Many graduates we hear from took less traditional routes – yet still succeeded as lawyers.

One jumped in a car and visited every law firm within a 10km radius. Another revisited their professional contacts to earnestly ask for insights, ideas and perspectives.

So try different approaches and take time to build your capabilities. Stay motivated and widen your options.

10 SKILLS TO INCLUDE ON A LEGAL RESUME (WITH EXAMPLES)

Download the full step-by-step guide to writing a killer legal resume.

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Download the Legal Business Management Course Guide and discover how our innovative program can equip you with the skills to lead, grow, and succeed in today’s competitive legal profession.

Government and Public Sector Law Postgraduate Course Guide

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Government and Public Sector Law Postgraduate Course Guide

Download the Government and Public Sector Law Postgraduate Course Guide and discover how our program equips you with the skills to navigate complex regulations, protect public interest, and drive legal change.

In-House Practice Postgraduate Course Guide

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In-House Practice Postgraduate Course Guide

Download the In-House Practice Postgraduate Course Guide to explore how our program equips you with the skills to manage legal risks, lead internal legal teams, and make impactful decisions within an organisation.

Legal Practice Management Course Victoria - Course Guide

Resources

Legal Practice Management Course Victoria - Course Guide

Download the Legal Practice Management Course Guide and discover how our program equips you with practical skills to successfully manage and grow your law firm or legal practice.

How to take your legal career to the USA: everything you need to know

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How to take your legal career to the USA: everything you need to know

Australians hold a rare E-3 Visa status, a visa class currently exclusive to Australian nationals, and making Australia one of a handful of countries (including Canada) offered special access to prized US work rights. This makes Australian lawyers particularly attractive to US law firms and the job opportunities for lawyers in America are eye-wateringly lucrative. Read on for everything you need to know about taking your legal career to the bright lights of the USA.

Financial Management Subject Course Guide

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Financial Management Subject Course Guide

In today’s competitive legal landscape, there is more at financial play than ever before. Valuable, golden opportunities are there for the taking. Develop a deep, broad understanding of financial performance and the opportunities surrounding your organisation's finances.

Why and How Clients Buy Legal Services Course Guide

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Why and How Clients Buy Legal Services Course Guide

In this subject, you’ll uncover insights into the client buying process and experience, for the purpose of growing your targeted customer base and accelerating your business growth.

How to unlock the hidden job market in law

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How to unlock the hidden job market in law

Estimates range anywhere from 60% to 80% of jobs are not advertised. If so, how do you unlock the hidden job market? We caught up with the College of Law’s National Careers Advisor Ruth Beran for her top tips to access the hidden job market, how you conduct an informational interview, and unorthodox approaches she’s seen succeed.

How to decide if a job is right for you: when the legal shoe fits

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How to decide if a job is right for you: when the legal shoe fits

Finding the perfect job is like finding the perfect pair of shoes. You need to try on a few different pairs, in your preferred style, to find your ideal fit – and improve your life satisfaction astronomically. We spoke with Lisa Gazis, Managing Director at Mahlab (NSW), about how to find a position that fits you.

Refresh your resume: How to write about your skills to captivate employers

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Refresh your resume: How to write about your skills to captivate employers

When you apply for a legal role, simply listing a bunch of buzzwords like teamwork and time management won’t get you very far. ​ You need to demonstrate your skills to employers. Here’s how you can promote your skillset with punch and authority.

Vital lessons you don't learn at law school

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Vital lessons you don't learn at law school

Uni studies give you a solid theoretical understanding of the law. But practising as a legal professional is much more nuanced than at uni. Here are 6 vital lessons you don't learn at law school. 

Going outside the law: 5 careers for legal professionals (who don’t want to be lawyers)

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Going outside the law: 5 careers for legal professionals (who don’t want to be lawyers)

Let’s see where you can take your skills to pursue a non-traditional legal pathway.

Alternative Careers: Where else can your law degree take you?

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Alternative Careers: Where else can your law degree take you?

Thinking beyond traditional law roles? Dive into exciting career paths in legal tech, business, operations, politics, and government. Perfect for lawyers and those with law degrees looking for new opportunities. Explore your options today!

Business Law and Transactions Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

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Business Law and Transactions Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

Download the Business Law and Transactions Postgraduate Course Guide to discover how our LLM program can help you develop advanced skills and open new doors in the legal profession.

Family Dispute Resolution Practice Course Guide

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Family Dispute Resolution Practice Course Guide

Download the Family Dispute Resolution Practice (FDRP) Course Guide to learn how our program can equip you with the skills to facilitate peaceful resolutions and empower families in times of conflict.

Fundamental Legal Tech Course Guide

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Fundamental Legal Tech Course Guide

In this course, you’ll explore the fundamental legal technologies shaping the industry. So you can determine the best fit for your business and harness true innovation.

Leadership Course Guide

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Leadership Course Guide

Drawing on cutting-edge leadership theory and organisational psychology principles, this course will give you the self-awareness and critical thinking you need to become a transformational leader in legal business.

During the course, you’ll discuss the current challenges your workplace is facing with guidance from our Teaching Fellows Daljit Singh and Kristen Kramer. In the process, you’ll acquire the critical thinking and cognitive skills to solve similar challenges in the future.

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