MJD Recruitment is a Legal Assistant recruitment agency supporting law firms across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. We connect high-performing Legal Assistants with firms where they can thrive, and help employers hire legal support talent who elevate team efficiency, culture and performance.
A Legal Assistant supports lawyers with the day-to-day legal work that keeps matters moving, drafting documents, managing files, tracking deadlines and coordinating communication with clients and courts. In most firms they handle document preparation, matter administration, billing support and general practice management so fee earners can focus on legal strategy and client outcomes.
A specialist Legal Assistant recruitment agency already knows the market, the talent and what “good” looks like in legal support. Instead of sorting through dozens of generic applications, you get a shortlist of vetted Legal Assistants with proven experience in your practice area, your software stack and your style of firm. It saves time, improves culture fit and lowers the risk of a mis-hire.
Most law firms look for Legal Assistants with strong document preparation skills, accurate file management, an understanding of legal terminology, excellent communication skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines. Experience using practice management systems (including Actionstep, Smokeball, LEAP, Open Practice, iManage and more) , billing support tools and workflow software is also highly regarded.
Legal Assistants typically focus on administration and practice support, managing files, preparing documents, scheduling and client coordination. Legal Secretaries often sit very close to a Partner or team and may take on more diary, billing and client liaison duties. Paralegals usually perform more substantive legal work such as legal research, drafting basic pleadings or preparing briefs. Many firms blend these titles, so we take a detailed brief to understand exactly what you need.
At MJD Recruitment, we specialise in recruiting Legal Assistants across all levels and practice areas within boutique, mid-tier, and top-tier law firms. Our expertise covers roles supporting Partners, Senior Associates, and broader legal teams across areas such as corporate law, litigation, property, family, and banking and finance. We recruit for both permanent and temporary Legal Assistant positions, tailoring each search to match the unique structure, pace, and culture of our clients’ practices. Whether you’re seeking a career-starting Legal Assistant or an experienced professional ready to step into a more senior, client-facing role, MJD Recruitment connects firms with exceptional talent who bring strong legal knowledge, document management expertise, and proactive organisational support.
Recruiting a Legal Assistant through MJD Recruitment begins with a detailed consultation to understand your firm’s structure, practice area, and workflow requirements. Our consultants then identify and assess candidates based on their legal experience, document management skills, software proficiency, and ability to support fee earners in a fast-paced environment. We conduct in-depth interviews, skills testing, and reference checks to ensure technical competency and cultural alignment. Whether you require support for a Partner, team, or department, we present candidates who match your exact needs and provide ongoing support after placement, including regular check-ins to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success.
MJD Recruitment is recognised as one of Sydney’s most reliable legal recruitment agencies due to our deep specialisation, long-standing industry relationships, and people-first approach. For over a decade, we’ve partnered with boutique, mid-tier, and top-tier law firms to source high-performing Legal Secretaries, Legal Assistants, and other legal support professionals. Our consultants have hands-on experience in legal recruitment, allowing us to understand the nuances of different practice areas, firm cultures, and workflow demands. We combine this insight with a rigorous screening process, market knowledge, and ongoing post-placement support to ensure every match is both technically strong and culturally aligned — building lasting partnerships between firms and their legal support talent.
Yes. We regularly place Legal Assistants in full-time permanent roles and also support firms with temp-to-perm transitions. Our focus is on finding candidates who bring value from day one and who are looking to contribute to your practice over the long term.
Yes, we recruit Legal Assistants for both temporary and permanent positions. Many law firms rely on temporary Legal Assistants to support workload peaks, extended leave cover or urgent project needs, while others seek long-term team members who can grow within the practice. We work closely with each employer to understand whether a temporary, contract or permanent solution is the best fit, and match candidates accordingly. For job seekers, this means access to a wide range of opportunities depending on your availability, preferences and career goals.
We always have a variety of Legal Assistant roles available in Sydney through MJD Recruitment — ranging from entry-level through to senior positions across boutique, mid-tier, and top-tier law firms. Some roles are publicly posted on our Current Jobs page, while others remain confidential due to client discretion. The best way to stay ahead of new opportunities is to submit your resume and register with us, so we can alert you as soon as a role matching your legal experience and aspirations becomes available.
Qualifications and experience requirements for Legal Assistant positions can vary depending on the size and focus of the firm, but most employers look for a combination of formal training and hands-on experience within a legal environment. Typically, candidates hold a Certificate III or IV in Business Administration (Legal), a Diploma of Legal Services, or relevant tertiary studies in law or business. Experience supporting lawyers, managing documents, preparing correspondence, and assisting with billing or file management is highly valued. Proficiency in legal software such as LEAP, Affinity, Aderant, Elite 3E, or iManage, along with strong Microsoft Office skills, is often essential. While entry-level roles may only require administrative experience and a strong interest in law, more senior Legal Assistant positions generally demand several years of experience in a specific practice area and the ability to operate with autonomy and professionalism in a fast-paced legal environment.
MJD Recruitment can help you find Legal Assistant roles that align with your legal skills, experience, and career goals through a personalised and consultative approach. Our consultants conduct in-depth interviews to understand your background, areas of legal expertise, preferred practice types, and ideal firm environment. We also take detailed briefings from our clients including boutique, mid-tier, and top-tier law firms to identify the specific skills, software knowledge, and support structures they require. This insight allows us to connect you with roles that match not only your technical abilities but also your working style and long-term aspirations. By registering with MJD Recruitment, you gain access to both advertised and confidential opportunities, along with ongoing guidance throughout your job search and placement process.
Yes. We place Legal Assistants across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Our local consultants work closely with law firms in each city and can support your next move into a firm that values your legal expertise and working style.
