Careers at Criminal Defence Lawyers Australia

Build Your Career in Criminal Defence

At Criminal Defence Lawyers Australia, we are not a general practice firm.

We practise exclusively in criminal law, appearing daily in the Local Court, District Court and Supreme Court of New South Wales.

We are seeking motivated lawyers who want to build a serious career in criminal defence litigation, lawyers who are prepared to work on complex, challenging matters and develop real courtroom advocacy skills early in their careers.

For the right candidate, this role offers hands-on experience, mentorship from experienced criminal defence lawyers and exposure to high-level criminal litigation from the outset. 

Located in the Sydney CBD, our office sits within walking distance of the Downing Centre Court- the largest court complex in New South Wales, placing our lawyers at the centre of criminal litigation.

What Makes This Role Different

Unlike many law firms, CDLA provides lawyers with :

• Early and regular courtroom exposure
• The opportunity to work exclusively on criminal defence matters
• Direct mentoring from experienced criminal defence practitioners
• A client-focused practice without billable hour quotas or daily timesheets
• Exposure to serious and complex criminal litigation

Our lawyers develop practical advocacy skills much earlier than is typical in many firms.

This Role Is Best Suited To Lawyers Who

• Have a genuine passion for criminal law
• Want to build a long-term career in criminal defence
• Are comfortable working in a fast-paced court environment
• Are resilient and able to handle challenging and sensitive matters
• Take pride in thorough preparation and strong advocacy

Criminal defence work can be demanding and high pressure.

It is most rewarding for lawyers who enjoy courtroom advocacy, litigation strategy and defending the rights of individuals facing serious allegations.

Why Join Criminal Defence Lawyers Australia

A Practice Dedicated Entirely to Criminal Law

At CDLA, criminal law is not simply one practice area, it is our sole focus.

Our lawyers work exclusively on criminal defence matters, allowing them to develop deep expertise in criminal procedure, advocacy and strategy.

You will gain exposure to matters involving:

• Bail applications and urgent court advocacy
• Defended hearings and trials
• Complex indictable matters
• Serious and sensitive criminal allegations
• Appeals and higher court litigation

This is an environment designed for lawyers who want to develop strong advocacy skills and build a long-term career in criminal defence.

Early Courtroom Experience

Many junior lawyers enter the profession expecting years of file work before stepping into court.

At CDLA, our structure and volume of matters mean lawyers gain meaningful courtroom exposure much earlier in their careers.

You will regularly attend court, observe experienced advocates and progressively develop your own advocacy skills under supervision.

This practical experience is invaluable for developing the confidence and judgement required of successful criminal defence lawyers.

Mentorship and Professional Development

We believe the best criminal lawyers are developed through hands-on experience combined with strong mentoring.

Our firm places significant emphasis on developing the next generation of criminal defence practitioners through:

• Ongoing in-house training and professional development
• Direct mentoring from experienced criminal lawyers
• Guidance on courtroom advocacy and litigation strategy
• Exposure to complex and challenging criminal matters

This structured support provides an excellent foundation for law graduates and newly admitted lawyers seeking to establish themselves in criminal law.

A Modern Approach to Legal Practice

CDLA operates differently from many traditional law firms.

We do not impose billable hour targets, daily timesheets or unrealistic billing quotas on our lawyers.

Instead, our focus is on delivering:

• High quality legal representation
• Clear and effective communication with clients
• Thorough preparation and advocacy in court

Our client-centric approach allows lawyers to focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients rather than meeting arbitrary billing targets.

A Highly Respected Criminal Law Firm

CDLA is among the largest criminal law firms in Australia practising exclusively in criminal defence.

Over many years we have built a strong reputation within the legal profession and the wider community for:

• High quality legal representation
• Professionalism and integrity
• Exceptional client service

Our reputation is reflected in consistently strong independent client reviews and industry recognition, including:

• Top 3 Criminal Lawyers in Sydney – ThreeBestRated (2020–present)
• Workplace of the Year Finalist – My Business Awards

A Day in the Life at CDLA

Working at CDLA means being immersed in the realities of criminal litigation.

A typical day may include:

• Appearing in the Local Courts and District Courts for bail applications, mentions, sentences, hearings, trials
• Preparing matters for defended hearings or District Court proceedings
• Communicating and meeting with clients to discuss their cases and provide advice
• Working closely with senior lawyers and barristers on complex criminal matters
• Reviewing evidence, witness statements and prosecution briefs of evidence
• Developing advocacy strategies for upcoming court appearances and instructing some of Australia’s leading criminal defence barristers.

The work is fast paced, intellectually challenging and highly rewarding for lawyers who are committed to criminal defence.

Our Workplace Culture

We maintain a professional, supportive and high-performing environment.

The work is demanding and often high pressure due to the serious nature of criminal matters. However, our team culture is built on:

• Collaboration and mutual support
• Strong mentoring relationships
• Professional development
• Shared commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients

Lawyers who thrive at CDLA are those who are organised, resilient, motivated and genuinely passionate about criminal law.

Check out our team of criminal defence lawyers here.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from individuals seeking to build a long-term career practising exclusively in criminal law, including:

• Law graduates completing PLT
• Newly admitted lawyers
• Criminal lawyers with 1+ years post-admission experience

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrated passion for criminal law and criminal defence advocacy
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Excellent organisation and communication skills
• Current practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain one)
• Current driver licence

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and demonstrated skills.

Apply

If you are passionate about criminal law and want to develop your career within a highly respected criminal defence practice, we encourage you to apply.

Please send your CV and cover letter directly to:

Jimmy Singh
Principal
js@criminaldefencelawyers.com.au