Legal Graduate Program

Program overview

The Legal Graduate Program offers law graduates the opportunity to gain practical legal experience while completing their Tasmanian Legal Practice Course.

You will work part-time as Graduate Legal Officers while undertaking the Legal Practice Course, and transition to full-time work upon completion of your Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) and admission to the Supreme Court of Tasmania.

This structure allows you to develop and refine your legal skills in a supportive environment while gaining exposure to a diverse range of public sector legal services and career pathways.

What to expect

The program runs for approximately 24 months over two phases. You will undertake legal research, provide advice and recommendations, and work alongside senior legal practitioners.

Phase One (February 2027 to July 2027): You will work part time (two days a week) as a Graduate Legal Officer (Graduate Stream, $77,850 to $90,843 per annum, pro rata) while completing the Legal Practice Course (three days a week).

Phase Two (July 2027 to February 2029): Once you’ve completed your Tasmanian Legal Practice Course, you’ll work full time for the Department of Justice. Following admission to the Supreme Court of Tasmania, you’ll progress to Legal Practitioner Level 1 ($79,356 to $97,794 per annum) and continue to build your legal skills and experience.

On-the-job opportunities

As a participant in the Legal Graduate Program, you will be supported to undertake a variety of legal tasks and experiences that contribute to your professional growth. These opportunities are designed to help you:

• Build confidence and competence through hands-on legal work, including research, drafting and assisting with straightforward legal matters.
• Develop professional judgment by engaging with real-world legal issues and clients.
• Strengthen your understanding of government legal practice and the broader policy and legislative environment.

You are encouraged to:

• Be proactive in seeking out new tasks and learning opportunities within your placement area.
• Reflect on your experiences and identify areas where you’d like to grow.
• Discuss your goals and interests with your supervisor during regular check-ins. Take advantage of opportunities such as court observations, legal briefings, or shadowing senior legal officers, where available.

Learning and development

In addition to on-the-job experience, you will participate in a structured professional development program that includes:

• a customised induction
• mentoring and coaching
• skills-based workshops
• networking opportunities
• presentations from senior leaders across the department.

These activities are designed to build the foundational skills and experience needed for a successful legal career in the public sector.

Ongoing performance development

You will be supported through the Department’s Ongoing Performance Development processes, which includes:

• regular check-ins with supervisors
• clear expectations and performance goals aligned with the Statement of Duties – Graduate Legal Officer
• opportunities for feedback and reflection
• support for continuous learning and development.

Your responsibilities

As a participant in the Legal Graduate Program, you are expected to:

• actively participate in both the Legal Practice Course and your placement
• engage with learning and development opportunities
• seek feedback and contribute to your own professional growth
• adhere to the Department’s values and professional standards.

How to apply

Applications for 2027 are open until Sunday 8 November 2026, apply here.

To apply, you will need to provide a short form application consisting of a 1–2 page covering letter outlining:

• your area of legal interest
• your understanding of the public sector legal environment
• how you would contribute to and uphold the Department's values
• an example that demonstrates your research skills and abilities.

You will also need to provide:

• your current resume/CV
• a statement of academic achievements
• confirmation of acceptance into the Tasmanian Legal Practice Course or a statement of your intention to enrol
• details of two referees

This is a graduate program, so don’t worry if you don’t have much job experience yet.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact HR.OrgDesign@justice.tas.gov.au.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Legal Graduate Program, you must:

• Have graduated with an undergraduate or postgraduate legal degree in the last three years or have graduated by commencement. The qualification held must be at level 7 or above of the Australian Qualifications Framework.
• current enrolment in the Tasmanian Legal Practice Course at the Centre of Legal Studies.

You’ll also need to undertake the following pre-employment checks if you’re a successful applicant:

1. Conviction checks:
   • Arson and fire setting
   • Violent crimes and crimes against the person
   • Sex-related offences
   • Drug and alcohol related offences
   • Crimes involving dishonesty
   • Crimes involving deception
   • Making false declarations
   • Malicious damage and destruction to property
   • Serious traffic offences
   • Crimes against public order or relating to the Administration of Law and Justice
   • Crimes against Executive or the Legislative Power
   • Crimes involving Conspiracy.
2. Disciplinary action in previous employment.
3. Identification check.