Frequently asked questions

Due to the high level of interest in our program, we can only accept applications from students in their penultimate or final years of their degree.

Yes. The Program is intended for students undertaking their first law degree, whatever it is called.

Yes. We accept applications from international students. However, students who are successful would be required to provide evidence of their VISA and ensure there are no restrictions to being able to work the required hours.

Your cover letter addressing the requirements must be no longer than two pages.

No. We are happy to accept unofficial transcripts.

No. We will not look at letters of recommendation but may ask to contact referees later in the process.

The number of interns we take for each program will vary. We generally aim to offer 1-4 positions each year.

Yes. This is a paid casual internship. We do not offer any unpaid opportunities.

No. The Secretariat cannot offer practical legal training or work experience required for professional admission as a solicitor or barrister.

The Internship Program runs flexibly, and interns usually start with us between May and August. We generally expect each intern to be available for twenty days (either full-time or for at least two days a week part-time). 

Please advise your availability in your application. We are happy to negotiate a different commencement date and/or part-time arrangements with any successful applicants.

No. The Secretariat does not offer a summer internship program. The Department of Communities and Justice runs a Summer Clerkship Program. Check the Clerkship webpage or the DCJ careers website for more information.

The NSW Government runs a graduate program. Please visit this webpage for details.​

Our office is located in Parramatta, right next to the train station. We have hybrid working options. We can offer flexible working arrangements but prefer that interns work in the office at least one day per week.

Unfortunately, we are unable to support interstate or overseas work from home arrangements.

No. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any financial assistance to cover costs associated with the internship.​

Absolutely. Although our preference is for you to maximise your internship experience and work full-time, we understand that you may have exams, intensive courses, part-time jobs, or clerkships. We are happy to discuss and accommodate your commitments, where possible.​

An internship does not guarantee future employment with the Secretariat or with the Department of Communities and Justice. However, the internship does allow you to engage with the organisational culture, establish networks, and build industry specific skills. These benefits will assist you if you decide to apply for any jobs with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice in future.  ​

Interns will perform legal research, writing and consultation tasks related to the current projects of the NSW Law Reform Commission and NSW Sentencing Council.

After the closing date, all applications will be reviewed and applicants selected for interview. We will be in touch with you, by email, to let you know the outcome of your application. 

If you are selected for interview, there is just the one interview that will go for about 30 minutes.

If you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to provide a sample of previous written work of no more than 1500 words.

A minimum of two panel members will conduct the interview. 15 minutes before the interview, you will be provided with the interview questions that the panel will ask you. You can use that time to review the questions and make notes, which you can use in the interview. 

No problem, send us an email to lrc-intern@dcj.nsw.gov.au and we will get back to you as quickly as we can