Introduction to the Legal Secretary Role at the Crown Solicitor’s Office
As a Legal Secretary at the Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO) in Sydney CBD, you will become an integral part of a team that provides essential legal services to the NSW Government and its agencies. This role involves supporting three or more solicitors within a specialised legal practice group, handling a variety of administrative tasks that are crucial for the efficient delivery of legal services.
Working at the CSO offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience in government law. You will receive comprehensive on-the-job training, immersing yourself in all aspects of legal practice administration. The environment is collaborative and supportive, with mentorship from a Senior Legal Secretary and a Legal Support Manager who are committed to your professional growth.
The CSO is renowned for delivering high-quality and cost-effective legal services. As the trusted legal advisor to the NSW Government, the CSO plays a pivotal role in advising and representing agencies, enabling them to implement policies, programs, and projects effectively and lawfully.
| Title | Legal Secretary |
|---|---|
| Organisation / Entity | Crown Solicitor’s Office |
| Job Location | Sydney CBD |
| Work Type | Full-time – Ongoing |
| Base Pay | $70,694.00 to $76,857.00 |
| Closing Date | 26/11/2024 |
Why the Legal Secretary Position at CSO is a Great Opportunity
This Legal Secretary position at the Crown Solicitor’s Office is an exceptional entry-level opportunity for anyone interested in law. You don’t need a law degree to apply, but you will gain extensive knowledge and experience by working on major cases and providing advice to government entities. This exposure can be invaluable for your future career, whether you aspire to work in law, policy, or administration.
The role offers a competitive salary ranging from $70,694 to $76,857, which is quite attractive for an entry-level position. However, the most exciting aspect is the potential career trajectory it provides. By joining the CSO, you’re not just taking a job—you’re opening doors to a future in the public sector where you can make a significant impact.
Moreover, this recruitment process is designed to create a talent pool for future opportunities. This means you’re not competing for a single position but for multiple roles that are either currently vacant or will become available in the next 18 months. Being part of this talent pool increases your chances of securing a role that perfectly fits your skills and career aspirations.
How to Apply for the Legal Secretary Position at CSO
To apply for this exciting opportunity, you need to submit your application online through the NSW Government job portal.
Application Requirements:
- Updated Resume (up to 5 pages): Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements.
- Cover Letter (1 page): Outline your interest in the role and your suitability based on the job requirements.
Key Attributes Sought:
The CSO is looking for candidates who are:
- Organised and Forward-Thinking: Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
- Experienced in Professional Environments: Prior experience in legal practice management is a plus but not mandatory.
- Proactive in Operational Management: Involvement in tracking and driving operations to support solicitors.
- Excellent Communicators: Strong communication skills are essential for client service and teamwork.
- Technologically Proficient: Comfortable using core office technology and software applications.
Understanding the Focus Capabilities for the Legal Secretary Role
When applying, it’s important to address the focus capabilities outlined in the role description. These capabilities are assessed throughout the recruitment process, including your application and interview.
Focus Capabilities:
| Capability | Level | Description | Behavioural Indicators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Act with Integrity | Foundational | Be ethical and professional, and uphold and promote the public sector values |
|
| Communicate Effectively | Foundational | Communicate clearly, actively listen to others, and respond with understanding and respect |
|
| Plan and Prioritise | Intermediate | Plan to achieve priority outcomes and respond flexibly to changing circumstances |
|
| Technology | Intermediate | Understand and use available technologies to maximise efficiencies and effectiveness |
|
How to Address Focus Capabilities in Your Application
All NSW Public Sector roles include specific focus capabilities that applicants are expected to demonstrate. Here’s how to effectively address them:
- Customise Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with each focus capability.
- Use Similar Language: Incorporate terminology from the role description to make it easier for hiring managers to see the match.
- Provide Concrete Examples: Use specific instances from your past work or studies that demonstrate these capabilities.
- Structure Using the STAR Method: Describe Situations, Tasks, Actions, and Results to clearly illustrate your competencies.
By aligning your application with the focus capabilities, you make it easier for the hiring manager—who may be reviewing hundreds of applications—to see that you meet the essential criteria.
Introducing the Candidate: Emily’s application for Legal Secretary at CSO
Emily is an organised and motivated administrative assistant with a strong aspiration to build a career within the government sector. Currently pursuing a degree in Policy Studies, Emily has developed a solid understanding of government processes and public administration, which aligns seamlessly with the mission and work of the Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO).
Emily is drawn to the Legal Secretary position at the CSO because it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that impacts the community. Her interest in public service is coupled with a desire to support legal professionals in delivering high-quality services to the NSW Government and its agencies.
Although she does not have a formal legal background, her experience in administrative roles has equipped her with essential skills such as attention to detail, effective communication, and proficiency in office technologies.
Example Cover Letter for Legal Secretary Application at CSO
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Legal Secretary position at the Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO), as advertised on the NSW Government job portal. With a passion for public service and a background in administrative support, I am eager to contribute to your team and support the important work of the CSO.
Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Policy Studies, which has provided me with a solid understanding of government processes and public administration. This aligns with the CSO’s mission to deliver high-quality legal services to the NSW Government and its agencies.
In my role as an Administrative Assistant at XYZ Corporation, I have developed strong organisational skills and attention to detail. For instance, I managed the coordination of multiple departmental schedules, ensuring seamless operations and effective communication across teams. This experience has honed my ability to plan and prioritise tasks, a key requirement highlighted in the job description.
I am committed to acting with integrity and upholding ethical standards. In a previous position, I noticed discrepancies in client billing and promptly brought it to my supervisor’s attention. Together, we rectified the issue, which reinforced my dedication to honesty and ethical conduct.
Communication is one of my strengths. I regularly drafted memos and reports for senior management, translating complex information into clear, accessible language. This skill will enable me to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues at the CSO.
Technologically adept, I am proficient in various office software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite and legal practice management software. I actively seek out new technologies to improve efficiency, which aligns with the ‘Technology’ focus capability for this role.
I am excited about the prospect of joining the CSO and contributing to its vital work. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs.
Sincerely,
Emily
Interview Preparation for the Legal Secretary Position at CSO
If you progress to the interview stage, it’s important to prepare thoroughly. The NSW Public Service Commission offers a Capability Application Tool with sample interview questions: Capability Application Tool.
Sample Interview Questions:
- Act with Integrity: Can you provide an example of a time when you had to make a difficult ethical decision at work? What was the situation, and what did you do?
- Communicate Effectively: Describe a situation where you had to explain a complex concept to someone without technical knowledge. How did you ensure they understood?
- Plan and Prioritise: Tell us about a time when you had multiple deadlines to meet. How did you prioritise your tasks, and what was the outcome?
Conclusion: Advancing Your Career with the Crown Solicitor’s Office
Embarking on a career as a Legal Secretary at the Crown Solicitor’s Office is a significant step towards building a meaningful career in the public sector. If you are successful in your application, we encourage you to make the most of this opportunity. It’s a role that not only offers valuable experience and professional growth but also allows you to contribute to the important work of the NSW Government.
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Congratulations on taking this step, and I wish you every success in your journey ahead. If you secure the position, we’d love to hear about your experience!
