Join our team

Family Law Graduate Program 2026

Launch your legal career with Canberra’s largest female-led family law firm

Are you a soon-to-be or recent law graduate passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? The Parker Coles Curtis Graduate Program 2026 offers the perfect opportunity to gain skills, experience, and mentorship in family law while thriving in a supportive, high-performing team.

Who we are

Parker Coles Curtis is Canberra’s largest female-led family law firm, recognised nationally for our compassionate, client-focused approach and commitment to the community. Led by three respected female Directors, we specialise in family law and pride ourselves on creating an environment where our people feel supported, connected, and inspired.

We are a growth-focused, high-performing firm that invests in our staff. In our most recent engagement survey, we achieved an engagement score of 85%, with 90% of our team proud to work here. We live by our values, encourage everyone to contribute to our workplace culture, and provide meaningful opportunities for growth.

Why apply?

At Parker Coles Curtis, you’ll be an important part of the team from day one. Our program includes:

• Work on real cases from the very start.
• One-on-one mentoring from senior lawyers and Directors.
• Structured training & CPD workshops to build your legal and professional skills.
• 12-months of diverse exposure across family law, including legal drafting, advocacy, and client management.
• Wellbeing support – EAP, resilience training, Wellness Committee initiatives, massages, weekly walks, fresh fruit, and team lunches.
• A supportive culture with regular opportunities to give back through our charity partnerships and pro bono work.
• Clear career pathways, with many graduates transitioning into permanent solicitor roles.

About you

Our ideal graduate will:

• Be an active listener, valuing diverse perspectives while committing to growth.
• Work collaboratively, supporting team members to achieve great client outcomes.
• Show initiative in completing tasks and delivering quality work on time.
• Lead self by demonstrating reliability and accountability.
• Actively seek and apply feedback to improve performance.
• Contribute to team goals by collaborating effectively.
• Show initiative in learning and developing legal and professional skills.
• Align with our firm’s values of care, respect, professionalism, and excellence.

Program highlights

• 12-month full-time program starting 2 February 2026.
• Direct access to approachable mentors and senior leaders.
• Exposure across operations with opportunities to shape your career.
• A role that is broad, varied, and designed to help you thrive.

Key Dates

• Applications open: Monday 1 September 2025
• Applications close: Thursday 30 October 2025
• Initial interviews & case study: November 2025
• Final interviews & selection: December 2025
• Program begins: Monday 2 February 2026

How to apply

Submit your application here (scroll to the end of the page), including a CV and a cover letter telling us why you’re the one to join our program.

For inquiries, please contact our HR Advisor at hr@parkercolescurtis.com.au.

We don’t just hire graduates – we grow future leaders in family law.

Family Lawyer

As a Family Lawyer, you will be pivotal in handling a range of family law matters under the supervision of our Directors. This role requires a combination of legal expertise, client management skills, and business acumen, with a focus on providing high-quality service and contributing to our firm's growth.

We are a small but mighty firm, who is growing. We encourage our team members to contribute to our organisational culture and live by our values. You will be given exposure across family law as well as ongoing CPD.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct Family Law Matters
• Creation of documents and precedents, including organised administration related to matters
• Represent the firm at events showing care and commitment in promoting the firm's business
• Exemplify advocacy and dispute resolution skills
• Fiscal responsibility by meeting financial targets and understanding billing processes
• Engage with ongoing professional development and continuous learning

About you

• You have experience as a family lawyer including attending Legal Aid, FDRCs, FVO, Return Conferences and procedural Court hearings with Senior Lawyer/Director guidance. 5-6 years of experience preferred, however open to considering candidates with less experience if they are a strong fit for the role
• You are competent in preparing briefs and observations to Counsel
• You have an understanding of and ability to apply Court rules and Practice Directions to practical situations
• You have the ability to manage competing priorities and triage tasks according to priority/urgency
• You are able to provide support to Directors and Senior Lawyers/Associates in the conduct of files including demonstrating initiative, flexibility and proactiveness in conduct of the case
• You have a growth mindset and a commitment to personal career development
• You have high-level professional communication skills, both written and oral, with demonstrated ability to deliver written work

Contact us for more information.