Do you have a strong attention to detail? Are you passionate about justice?
With a range of career paths available, the legal industry could be the perfect fit for you.
Career opportunities in law include:
Solicitor
Solicitors are responsible for providing legal advice, preparing legal documents and representing clients in legal matters.
Key Responsibilities
· Providing legal advice on a range of legal issues
· Drafting and reviewing legal documents such as contracts, wills and court pleadings
· Representing clients in legal proceedings
· Conducting research to understand the legal landscape and prepare strong cases for their clients.
· communicating with clients about their cases and negotiate settlements or other resolutions on their behalf
To become a solicitor, you need to complete a law degree—either a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) if you already hold another degree. You must then complete Practical Legal Training (PLT), apply for admission as a legal practitioner, and obtain a practising certificate from the relevant legal authority.
Barrister
A barrister is a lawyer who specialises in court advocacy. They act as a representative and advocate for clients in court proceedings.
Key responsibilities:
- Presenting a client’s case before a judge or jury, including arguing legal points and cross-examining witnesses.
- Drafting legal submissions, preparing evidence, and crafting strategies to address potential counterarguments
- Providing expert legal advice to clients and solicitors
- Acting as mediators, arbitrators, or conciliators in alternative dispute resolution processes.
To become a barrister, you must complete a law degree, undertake Practical Legal Training, and be admitted to practise as a lawyer. You then need to pass a bar entrance exam, complete a bar training course, and complete a period of mentorship. After meeting these requirements, you can practise as a barrister.
In-House Legal Counsel
In-house legal counsel work within an organisation. They advise the organisation on legal issues; ensure they comply with laws, and manage legal risks.
Key responsibilities:
- Providing legal advice to management and employees on various issues
- Ensuring organisation complies with laws, regulations and industry standards
- Negotiating and managing contracts to ensure they are legally sound.
- Handling legal disputes including representing company in court.
To become an in-house legal counsel, you typically need a law degree, complete Practical Legal Training (PLT), be admitted to practice, and hold a current practising certificate. Employers may prefer candidates with in-house experience or a Master of Laws for specialised roles. Requirements can vary, so it’s important to check with the relevant legal authority.
Paralegal
Paralegals provide support to lawyers and other legal professionals, assisting with various tasks that enable the efficient operation of legal cases and law practices.
- Providing administrative support including managing schedules and handling correspondence.
- Organising and managing legal documents, including preparing briefs and maintaining electronic files
- Researching legal issues and case law
- Assisting in finding and interviewing witnesses
- Acting as liaison between lawyers and clients
To secure a role as a paralegal, formal qualifications aren’t always required but can be an advantage. Many institutions offer legal support courses, and experience through internships or volunteer work can strengthen your application. Strong skills in research, writing, communication, and organisation are essential.
Legal Policy Adviser
Legal policy advisers are responsible for analysing and interpreting complex legal and policy issues and providing advice to senior officials.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting in-depth research on legal issues and analysing the impact of proposed legislation.
- Contributing to the development of new policies and legislative reforms
- Providing expert advice to government officials and other stakeholders
- Assisting with the implementation of new policies and legislative changes.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of policies and programs
To become a Legal Policy Adviser, you typically need a degree in law, public policy, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification can be beneficial but is not always required. Practical experience in policy development, such as through internships or entry-level roles in government or non-profits, is also valuable.
How can we Help You?
Whether you’re pursuing a position as a paralegal, legal assistant, or in-house counsel, your application needs to be clear, professional, and tailored to the specific legal role. At Melbourne Resume Writers, we specialise in helping legal professionals craft applications that stand out.
Cover Letter
A well-crafted cover letter is essential for legal roles. We write targeted letters that highlight your legal knowledge, attention to detail, and relevant experience—whether it’s in research, client support, or case preparation.
Resume Writing
Your resume should reflect your legal training, practical experience, and key skills such as legal research, drafting, and case management. We develop resumes that showcase your qualifications and align with the role you’re targeting, whether in a law firm, corporate setting, or government.
Selection Criteria Writing
Legal roles in government, courts, or regulatory bodies often require responses to selection criteria. We specialise in writing clear, evidence-based responses that demonstrate your suitability, professionalism, and legal capabilities.
