Criminal Defence Lawyer | Melbourne

If you are serious about building a long-term career in criminal law and want real courtroom exposure early, this role is built for you.

Josh Smith Legal – Barristers & Solicitors is a Melbourne-based criminal defence firm focused exclusively on privately funded matters. Our clients engage us because they want strategic, thorough, and committed representation. That means the files are meaningful, the work is high quality, and your development matters.

This is not a Legal Aid practice. You will work on private matters where preparation, advocacy, and client care are valued and properly resourced.

What You Will Be Doing

You will work closely with senior practitioners and progressively take ownership of your own files while developing your courtroom advocacy.

You will:

· Appear regularly in the Magistrates’ Court.

· Manage a caseload of summary and selected indictable matters.

· Prepare matters for contested hearings and pleas.

· Draft court documents, submissions, and briefs to counsel.

· Instruct counsel in County and Supreme Court matters.

· Meet with clients and help shape legal strategy.

· Negotiate with prosecution where appropriate.

Travel to local and rural courts throughout Victoria will be required as part of managing matters and supporting clients.

This is a hands-on role designed to accelerate your development as a criminal defence advocate.

Who This Role Suits

· You have 1 to 3 years PAE in criminal law in Victoria.

· You hold a current Victorian Practising Certificate.

· You are confident in court and hungry to improve.

· You care about advocacy and want to become excellent at it.

· You take ownership of your files and your growth.

· You communicate clearly and treat clients with professionalism and respect.

· Most importantly, you are committed to building a long-term career in criminal defence.

Why Join Josh Smith Legal – Barristers & Solicitors

· Real court exposure.

· High-quality private files.

· Direct access to experienced practitioners.

· A supportive and high-performing environment.

· A culture that values preparation, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

If you are driven, ambitious, and ready to step up your advocacy career, we would love to hear from you.