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At Legal Aid NSW, we know that having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our workforce makes us stronger, more effective and more connected to the communities we serve.
Aboriginal staff bring cultural knowledge, community connection and lived experience that shapes how we support clients, design services and deliver justice. That’s why we’re committed to growing and supporting an Aboriginal workforce.
Whether you’re just starting out, building experience or stepping into leadership, you’ll be supported to build a meaningful career in a culturally safe and inclusive workplace.
Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy
Our Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy builds inclusive workplaces where people feel valued, supported and able to grow. It strengthens career pathways, develops future leaders and supports long term employment, reinforcing our commitment to attracting diverse talent and helping Aboriginal employees succeed.
Aboriginal Legal Career Pathways
Our Aboriginal Legal Career Pathways program creates opportunities for Aboriginal people to build careers in legal and client support roles.
Participants are employed in trainee roles at Legal Aid NSW, gaining practical, hands on experience while building confidence working with clients, supporting legal teams and understanding the justice system.
At the same time, participants complete a qualification through TAFE NSW, with the option to continue their studies at Macquarie University.
The program supports a range of career pathways from legal roles to client support and broader opportunities across the organisation.
Frequently asked questions
The Aboriginal Legal Career Pathways program is a partnership between Legal Aid NSW, TAFE NSW and Macquarie University.
The program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build careers in the legal sector by providing culturally safe, supported pathways into legal work and study.
Participants develop legal knowledge, gain practical workplace experience, and are supported to continue their education and career progression within the legal profession.
The program aims to:
- increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in the legal profession
- build skills and confidence for careers in law and justice
- create clear pathways into further study and employment, and
- strengthen culturally informed legal services.
The program is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are interested in exploring or building a career in law and justice.
It is suitable for people at different stages of their career, including people:
- seeking to enter (or return to) the workforce in the legal sector
- already working in administrative or support roles who want to build legal skills, or
- interested in further legal study or career development.
The program combines study, work experience and cultural support.
Participants can expect:
- structured in person, block learning delivered through a recognised training provider
- practical work experience in a legal environment
- ongoing cultural and professional support, and
- opportunities to build networks across the legal sector.
Participants are supported throughout the program with:
- a culturally safe learning environment
- guidance and mentoring from program staff and partners
- opportunities to connect with peers and mentors, and
- support to balance study and work commitments.
Depending on individual circumstances, additional support may also be available. For example:
- Participants who live more than 90 minutes from the Ultimo TAFE campus may be eligible for Services Australia Away from Base funding to assist with travel and accommodation. Support is available to help participants understand and apply for this funding where eligible.
- Participants who are not eligible for this funding are responsible for their own travel to and from the study location.
If you would like to know more about the Aboriginal Legal Career Pathways program contact us:
- Email: aboriginalservices@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
- Phone: (02) 6768 4907
Judge Bob Bellear Legal Career Pathways
The Judge Bob Bellear Legal Career Pathways Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build strong, lasting careers in law and be part of the next generation shaping justice in NSW.
Since 2007, the program has opened doors for students and graduates to develop their skills, gain real experience and build confidence as they begin their legal careers, including opportunities such as:
- Legal Cadetship program: For Aboriginal full-time undergraduate law students to provide support in obtaining a law degree through financial assistance and a paid work placement of 12 weeks each year.
- Professional Legal Placements program: For Aboriginal law graduates to complete their practical legal training to gain admission into legal practice.
- Graduate Career Development program: A two-year placement in two legal practice areas for Aboriginal law graduates who have completed Practical Legal Training and who are eligible for admission into legal practice.
This is more than a program, it is a pathway to leadership, influence and meaningful contribution, helping Aboriginal lawyers build careers that make a difference for their communities and the broader justice system.
More information
Judge Bob Bellear was a Noonucal/NI-Vanuatu man from Mullumbimby, situated on the north coast of New South Wales. Surrounded by poverty, he was forced to leave school at a young age to support his large family. After witnessing one too many instances of racism towards Aboriginal Australians, Bob went back and completed his Higher School Certificate before continuing on to university where he studied law.
Bob eventually became a barrister and Public Defender before being appointed a Judge of the District Court of New South Wales, the first Indigenous person to be appointed to any court in Australia.
Among Bob’s many and varied achievements, including assisting to establish the first Aboriginal Legal Service, Aboriginal Medical Service and Aboriginal housing Company in Redfern, he was also a mentor to many young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, encouraging and supporting them in the pursuit of a career in law.
Bob was a role model to many and an inspiration to all. His tireless commitment to ensuring the recognition, enforcement and preservation of the fundamental rights of Aboriginal Australians involved a degree of dedication only few can boast. His legacy is in part carried on through the Judge Bob Bellear ‘Legal Career Pathways’ Program, an initiative of Legal Aid NSW named in the late Aboriginal Judge’s Honour.
“The Bob Bellear Program is a great legacy to a great man, and will lead to a new generation of Aboriginal lawyers.”
“We come from the Yuin Nation along the South Coast. Much of my family lives in Moruya, Mogo and Batemans Bay.
The best aspects of the program have been getting an understanding of the basic work a solicitor provides in social justice work. I've undertaken a wide variety of work that I would never have had the opportunity to undertake anywhere else, and I feel more confident in my ability to interact with clients. The program is also very flexible and is often able to work around my university schedule.
You absolutely have to apply for this program if you want a head start in social justice law. Whether you work in the crime, family or civil teams, the type of work you'll do at Legal Aid as a cadet will be extremely valuable and transferrable no matter what area of law you practice in the future.”
“Hands-on experience. The description of the cadetship program was very appealing, and it seemed like a great place to start my legal career.
The variety and freedom to experience so many different practice areas and the people I get to learn from is what I enjoy most about the program.
Just have a go! Apply for the program – it could change your life. If you get into the program then take every opportunity offered to you. Take the time to ask questions and learn as much as you can from your mentors and others within the office you are assigned, you can learn so much from everyone within the office. Be respectful and kind at all times.”
“I grew up on the far south coast of New South Wales in a small town called Bemboka. My mob are from the Yuin nation. I applied for the Cadet program because I felt it was time to start commencing a career and engage in active steps toward achieving my goal. I wanted to learn, earn an income and experience the professional world. The cadet program pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to learn every day.
A typical day..was eye opening and rewarding. My duties would range to completing client briefs, looking through evidence, visiting the local court cells and assisting solicitors with legal aid applications, attending court with solicitors and being guided with respect and patience, no matter what your task was.
The program opens up the door for your future. It is flexible and will only benefit every aspect of your career and knowledge bank. I am so thankful for the time I spent with legal aid and grateful to all of the solicitors who showed me kindness and hard work.”
“I am a Wiradjuri woman, my mob come from the Dubbo area. I applied for the Graduate Program because I knew that I wanted to work for Legal Aid but I wasn't sure what area of law I would like the most. The Graduate Program allows you to get experience in two practice areas for 12 months each.
I enjoy how supportive everyone is in making sure you learn as much as possible in the time that you have. I also enjoy the wide range of experience you gain in such a short amount of time. I couldn't recommend the program more, applying was the best decision I made. The experience you will gain and the people you will meet are invaluable.”
Program brochure
Find your perfect role
There are many ways to build a career at Legal Aid NSW, whether you’re interested in law, working with community, or supporting services behind the scenes.
Work in law and help improve outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities.
In these roles, you’ll use your skills, knowledge and judgement to support clients and advocate for fair outcomes. Over time, you’ll build court experience, deepen your legal expertise and grow into senior or leadership roles.
Opportunities include:
- law clerk and paralegal roles
- graduate and early career lawyer pathways
- criminal, family and civil law practice
- senior and specialist legal roles.
Non legal and specialist roles play a vital part in how we support clients and deliver services.
In these roles, you’ll contribute your professional skills, support clients and work with communities across NSW. They are essential to how we operate and deliver outcomes every day.
Opportunities include:
- client service, community engagement and support roles
- corporate and specialist roles (HR, IT, finance, policy, communications)
- project, coordination and operational roles.
If you’re just starting out, we offer opportunities to help you build skills, confidence and experience.
You don’t need to have everything figured out – we’ll support you as you learn and grow.
Pathways include:
- traineeships
- on the job learning and structured development
- mentoring, study support and career planning.
We support Aboriginal staff to grow their careers over time.
Whether you want to deepen your expertise or step into leadership, there are opportunities to take the next step when you’re ready.
Support includes:
- career development and progression planning
- acting opportunities and internal mobility
- leadership programs and mentoring.
Meet our Aboriginal Services Branch
The Aboriginal Services Branch works across Legal Aid NSW to make sure Aboriginal people receive services that are respectful, culturally safe and responsive to their needs.
We work to grow and support an Aboriginal workforce across Legal Aid NSW.
This includes:
- attracting Aboriginal people into a wide range of roles
- supporting staff to stay and build long-term careers
- creating opportunities for development and progression.
Our focus is not just on getting people in the door, but on supporting them to succeed and move forward in their careers.
We are committed to creating workplaces where Aboriginal people feel respected, supported and able to thrive.
This includes:
- identified and targeted roles
- inclusive recruitment practices that are culturally safe
- Aboriginal employment and development initiatives
- cultural leave and support for community obligations
- flexible work arrangements and workplace adjustments
- leaders who actively champion inclusion and cultural safety.
We work closely with teams across Legal Aid NSW to make sure services are welcoming, respectful and accessible for Aboriginal clients.
This includes helping staff better understand culture, improving how services are delivered, and making sure clients feel safe, heard and supported when they engage with us.
Our Aboriginal Field Officers play an important role in supporting clients to navigate the legal system.
They help build trust, explain processes in a way that makes sense, and provide cultural understanding and support throughout a client’s journey.
We work alongside Aboriginal communities and organisations across NSW.
These partnerships help us understand what people need and make sure our services are relevant and responsive. They also help us build strong, respectful relationships based on trust.
Our Aboriginal Staff Network connects Aboriginal employees across Legal Aid NSW and provides a space to come together, share experiences and support each other.
The network meets regularly and creates opportunities for staff to build relationships, strengthen connections and learn from one another.
It plays an important role in:
- supporting new staff as they settle into the organisation
- creating a sense of community across different locations and roles
- sharing knowledge, experiences and advice
- providing a culturally safe space where staff can speak openly.
The network also helps inform the organisation by sharing insights and feedback, making sure Aboriginal perspectives are heard in how we work and make decisions and help create a workplace where Aboriginal staff feel supported, connected and valued.
Applicants welcome at all levels
We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for roles at all levels and across all disciplines at Legal Aid NSW.
With over 120 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, we are committed to a workplace where people feel respected, trusted and culturally safe.
We back this commitment with practical support – from inclusive recruitment to workplace adjustments, so you can feel connected and build a meaningful career.
Connect with the Legal Aid NSW Aboriginal Services Branch for a yarn by emailing aboriginalservices@legalaid.nsw.gov.au.
Ready to join us?
Explore opportunities with Legal Aid NSW and find a role where you can grow, contribute and make a difference everyday.
If you have any questions, please contact our Talent Acquisition team via email at talent@legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 9134 9347.
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