Graduate Lawyer – Family Law

CBC Lawyers is seeking a motivated Law Graduate, newly admitted solicitor or junior lawyer to join our expanding family law team in Townsville. This position is particularly suited to a law graduate who has already developed strong professional skills through employment in a legal practice, accounting firm, financial services business, government agency, corporate office or another professional services environment. Prior family law experience is advantageous but is not essential. More important are sound professional judgement, excellent communication, attention to detail and a genuine commitment to building a career in family law.

Working closely with our experienced family law principal, the successful candidate will receive structured supervision while gaining practical experience across parenting, divorce, property settlement and domestic and family violence matters.

Why Join CBC Lawyers?

• A genuine pathway into family law. This is not a role in which a graduate will be confined to administrative or observational work. Subject to experience and supervision, the successful candidate will participate in client conferences, prepare legal documents, assist with case strategy and gain exposure to court proceedings.
• Experienced and accessible mentors. Our family law principal has 30 years’ of experience. The successful candidate will therefore work alongside a senior practitioner who is committed to regular file reviews, practical guidance and targeted professional development.
• Outstanding location for court exposure. Our office is situated in the Townsville CBD, directly opposite the courts in which family law matters are heard. This provides valuable opportunities to observe proceedings and develop familiarity with court practice.
• Meaningful work from the beginning. Family law requires technical ability, empathy and sound judgement. The successful candidate will help clients navigate significant personal and financial issues while developing the practical skills required for a rewarding long-term career.

The Role

Under the supervision of experienced family lawyers, the successful candidate will assist with matters involving:

• parenting arrangements and parenting disputes;
• property settlements and financial matters;
• domestic and family violence proceedings;
• financial agreements;
• court applications, affidavits and other litigation documents;
• disclosure, evidence and case preparation;
• legal research and written advice;
• client conferences and professional correspondence;
• mediation, dispute resolution and court preparation;
• file management, deadlines and procedural compliance.

The scope and autonomy of the role will increase as the successful candidate develops their technical knowledge, professional judgement and confidence.

About You

Applications are invited from candidates who are:

• completing, or have completed, a recognised law degree;
• eligible for admission, undertaking Practical Legal Training, recently admitted, or at an early stage of legal practice;
• committed to developing a career in family law;
• interested in establishing themselves professionally in Townsville.

We value candidates who have developed workplace maturity and professional skills through employment in a legal practice, professional services firm, government agency, corporate office or another client-focused environment. The nature of the workplace is less important than your ability to demonstrate professional communication, sound judgement, confidentiality, reliability and effective management of competing priorities.

Skills and Attributes

The successful candidate is likely to demonstrate:

• clear and professional written and verbal communication;
• strong attention to detail and pride in producing accurate work;
• maturity, discretion and an understanding of confidentiality;
• excellent organisation and time-management skills;
• confidence communicating with clients and other professionals;
• empathy and composure when dealing with sensitive circumstances;
• resilience and the ability to respond constructively to feedback;
• initiative, accountability and a strong work ethic;
• an aptitude for legal analysis, research and drafting;
• a collaborative approach to working with lawyers and support staff.

Prior exposure to family law through PLT, a clerkship, paralegal employment, volunteering, coursework or practical experience is desirable but not essential. Training and supervision will be provided to a candidate with the right professional foundation, attitude and commitment.

What We Offer

• A structured induction, mentoring and training plan.
• Direct access to senior family lawyers and principals.
• Regular supervision, feedback and file reviews.
• Early exposure to client work, drafting, negotiation and court practice.
• Opportunities to attend mediations and court proceedings.
• Support in developing advocacy and dispute-resolution skills.
• Increasing responsibility as capability and confidence develop.
• A collaborative and approachable team culture.
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Clear salary review and career-progression opportunities.
• The opportunity to build a long-term family law career in a respected Queensland practice.