NSW Government

NSW Government Graduate Program Legal Stream 

• Join the NSW Government – an employer of 400,000+ people.  
• Help shape the future of NSW communities.  
• Secure a permanent role on successful program completion.  
• Open to graduates from all degrees and disciplines.  

Program at a glance: 18-month program starting 1 February 2027 and finishing 6 August 2028, with 5 streams and roles available across NSW (some streams regional roles only).  

Make an impact at scale  

Make a difference for communities across NSW. From day one you’ll contribute to work that helps make NSW a better place to live, work and visit.  With opportunities across multiple business areas, you’ll build transferable skills and broaden your experience. More than 20 departments and agencies employ graduates through our program, helping develop the next generation of public sector leaders.  

Our award-winning program  

The NSW Government Graduate Program gives you a wide range of experiences. Our program suits driven, open-minded graduates.  The program is structured so you can spend time with your cohort, building a network of peers across the sector. You will have a dedicated mentor to support you for the length of the program. You will do meaningful work on the job, plus complete a learning and development program tailored to your stream. 

Start your legal career with NSW’s biggest employer 

Are you interested in working on legislation, learning about criminal prosecution, or advising on legal issues that affect the NSW community? Working in the NSW Government Graduate Program Legal stream offers you experience in areas such as litigation, providing legal advice and developing policy. You could be working across customer service, climate change and the environment, or central government agencies. With three diverse rotations across NSW Government, you’ll explore different digital disciplines, discover your strengths, and build a versatile skillset. 

What's in it for you? 

• Study towards a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice with the College of Law, so you can be admitted as a solicitor in NSW 
• Competitive salary from day one - $87,199* plus the employer’s contribution to superannuation (12%) and annual leave loading. 
• Opportunity to work on meaningful projects 
• Support – buddy and mentor 
• Networking events with your graduate cohort  
• Work life balance   
• Roles available in Sydney Metro  
• Gain ongoing (permanent) employment once you finish 
• Join a diverse workforce 

We welcome and strongly encourage applicants of all ages, genders, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from LGBTQIA+ communities, and those who are neurodivergent. Our graduate cohorts reflect the diversity of the community we serve. We are a Disability Confident Recruiter accredited by the Australian Disability Network. Our recruitment practices have been assessed to ensure we are adhering to best-practice inclusive recruitment.  

If you need any adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please reach out to Hugh Mitchell on +61 2 9272 6069 or email GradAdjustments@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au. We are here to ensure you have an equitable and accessible experience. 

Eligibility 

To apply for the 2027 graduate program, you must: 

• have completed or be completing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Law 
• hold a current visa or be in the process of obtaining a visa permitting you to work full-time in Australia for the 18-month duration of the program until 6 August 2028 
• complete your undergraduate or postgraduate legal degree between 1 June 2024 and 31 December 2026 
• Not have started or completed your practical legal training 
• be available to start full-time work on 1 February 2027. 

Visit our website for more information about the Legal Stream eligibility requirements: NSW Government Graduate Program. 

For more information read the full Role Description: Click here 

Apply 

If you’re inspired by the work we do and keen to make a real impact, we would be delighted to receive your application.  

Closing date: Wednesday 15 July 2026 (11:59AM AEST)