DRFL Graduate Lawyer

2027 Graduate Solicitor Opportunity 

What does it take to begin your career at Newcastle’s largest specialist Family Law firm? 

Strong academic ability matters. So do initiative, judgement, attention to detail and the willingness to learn. We are looking for one (1) exceptional graduate who understands that building a successful legal career takes consistent effort, openness to feedback and a genuine commitment to high professional standards. 

Delaney Roberts Specialist Family Lawyers is recruiting now to secure the right final year law student ahead of their graduation and admission as a solicitor in 2027. 

Starting your career with us 

Our preference is for the successful candidate to join us as a Law Clerk at the end of November 2026, once university examinations have finished. You will complete your initial onboarding and begin working with the team before transitioning to a Solicitor role following admission in February 2027. 

 To secure the right person, we would also consider: 

• A three (3) day per week Law Clerk arrangement while you complete your studies 
• An early 2027 commencement if you are considering a post study break before beginning full-time work 

What it takes to succeed at DRFL 

You will not be expected to know everything when you begin. You will be expected to prepare properly, ask thoughtful questions, and apply what you learn. 

You will need to: 

• Take pride in producing accurate, carefully considered and review ready work 
• Accept feedback professionally and demonstrate that you can act on it 
• Show initiative while working within the direction and supervision provided 
• Use established procedures and precedents consistently 
• Achieve a high level of competency using our systems including LEAP, our matter management software 
• Manage your time, meet deadlines and communicate early when you need guidance 
• Treat clients, colleagues and other professionals with empathy, respect and integrity 
• Take responsibility for your development and contribute positively to your team 
• Have a strong academic record, excellent written and verbal communication skills  
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in Family Law.  
• You will also need the maturity to work with clients experiencing difficult and highly personal circumstances. 

How we will invest in you 

Our Graduate Lawyer Development Framework was introduced in 2026 and has already provided a strong foundation for our graduate lawyers. 

You will have a dedicated Senior Associate mentor who allocates and reviews your work, provides regular feedback, and helps you develop your professional judgement. Your mentor will be involved in the recruitment process because the quality of this working relationship matters. 

You will also have daily mentor check ins, monthly development meetings with your Team Leader, quarterly check ins with the Managing Partner, and a junior solicitor buddy for practical support. 

Your responsibility will increase as you demonstrate competence and reliability. Your experience may include attending client appointments, preparing correspondence and Court documents, assisting with disclosure and financial matters, undertaking legal research, and attending mediations and Court events. 

We provide the structure, support, and opportunities. You will need to make the most of them. 

Our recruitment process 

We are appointing one (1) graduate lawyer and will be selective about who we invest in. 

To apply, please upload: 

1. Your resume 
2. A cover letter explaining how you meet the criteria outlined in this advertisement 
3. Your current academic record 

We will review the applications and invite shortlisted candidates to complete a video interview. This will be your opportunity to show us how you communicate and demonstrate your genuine interest in Family Law and alignment with our values. 

We encourage you to prepare carefully and provide a considered, authentic application that helps us understand why you may be the right graduate for Delaney Roberts Specialist Family Lawyers.