Legal Assistant - Government, Planning & Environment
We are seeking to appoint a Legal Assistant to join our Government, Planning and Environment team in Melbourne. This role will suit someone who is highly motivated, proactive and committed to delivering exceptional support within a fast paced litigation and prosecutions practice.
The successful applicant will bring experience in litigation or regulatory work, ideally with exposure to summary or criminal proceedings and a genuine interest in prosecutions. Strong communication skills, keen attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities confidently are essential.
Russell Kennedy Lawyers has acted for local government bodies for more than 100 years, developing deep expertise in supporting councils, water authorities and statutory authorities. Our team also works closely with a range of medium and large developer clients. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a high performing practice with a particular focus on prosecutions and regulatory litigation.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
* Prosecution case administration - preparation, filing and service of Court documents including charges, summons, injunctions, briefs of evidence, plea documents, briefs to Counsel, cost tables, liaising with Courts, other sides and Counsel, use of EFAS, CMS, and eDocs Court systems, and general administration of matters.
* Billing - entering daily timesheets, preparing detailed bills in accordance with firm protocols and deadlines (Aderant).
* Case Management - proactively manage appointments, tasks and reminders for file work, hearings, settlements, client meetings, etc.
* File Management - review, print and file email correspondence (electronically and hard copy).
* Document Preparation - transcription of digital dictation and general typing, including preparation of correspondence, agreements, advices and court documents. Working with templates, precedents and mail merge documents.
* Undertake processes associated with property, company and individual description matters, including title and planning searches, land transfers, easement registrations, company searches and electoral roll searches.
* Client Support - answering client queries where appropriate, managing client expectations around communications.
* Information / Precedent Management - ensuring precedents and templates are updated in accordance with legislative or firm changes.
* Communication - prioritise workflow and ensure fee earners are provided with feedback as to the status of current work, future tasks and significant dates.
* Provide support with business development, tenders, presentations, conference attendance and preparation, court and advice work.
* Team Support -assist other support staff with overflow work. Use initiative to identify and communicate suggestions for improvement in client service, teamwork, etc.
Skills/Knowledge
* Strong working knowledge of summary/criminal proceedings within the Magistrates' Court jurisdiction, with prosecution experience being highly relevant.
* Strong working knowledge of litigation procedures within Victorian courts and tribunals (including VCAT).
* Proficiency across the MS Office suite, with experience using document management and billing systems.
* Experience with video conferencing platforms.
* High level of attention to detail, with a commitment to producing accurate, high quality work.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.
* Exceptional organisational skills, demonstrated through supporting multiple fee earners and managing competing priorities.
Experience
Minimum 5 years' experience in a legal secretarial role.
Further Information
Any questions regarding the vacancy can be directed to Vanessa Maio on For further information or to submit your application for this position please visit the careers page on our website. Please note any offer of employment made by Russell Kennedy Lawyers to the successful candidate will be subject to a police check. We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only. No agency referrals will be accepted at this stage.
Our Firm and Culture
Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 340 people in Melbourne and Sydney. We are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market-leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.
As part of our team, you'll receive hands-on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle. We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.
Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, as well as being certified as a gold employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for employers with 500 or less employees. We respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm supports and promotes a range of initiatives to create an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. There is a particular focus and emphasis on gender equality, inclusion of First Nations peoples, accessibility for people with disability, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and cultural diversity. Russell Kennedy is recognised by Australian Disability Network as a Disability Confident Recruiter employer.
Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent available. We acknowledge the importance of work-life balance, all current and prospective employees have access to flexible work options and workplace adjustments including alternate accessible formats, where required. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process please contact Leanda Nissen on
Russell Kennedy Lawyers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet and work. Our offices are situated on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri and Gadigal peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, to their emerging leaders and to the resilience, creativity and vitality of their cultures including their laws and systems of governance.