Job Description
We have a unique opportunity for a Lawyer to join our Customs & Trade practice at Rigby Cooke Lawyers.
You will be working closely with the Practice Lead and Partner, Andrew Hudson, to deliver advice on all aspects of trade and customs law. You will be working with importers, exporters, licensed customs brokers, freight forwarders, marine insurers, Australian manufacturers, and other industry parties to provide them with legal advice, including the review of decisions of various government agencies and litigation matters.
Role responsibilites
Drafting advice, contracts and conducting legal research
Running merits review matters including through the Administrative Review Tribunal
Disputes in relation to international transactions and provision of services such as shipping
Internal review of Compliance Assessments by the Australian Border Force (ABF)
Seeking advice from the ABF, the Australian Tax Office (ATO), and the State Revenue Office (SRO)
Preparing submissions in relation to Anti-Dumping and circumvention inquiries
Advising on trade, customs and cross-border matters, including distribution agreements, Incoterms, sanctions, and export/import controls
Providing regulatory advice on customs, biosecurity, dangerous goods, and licensing obligations (including Licensed Customs Brokers)
Supporting clients on supply chain risks, including modern slavery, port and stevedore charges, and heavy vehicle chain of responsibility obligations
Advising on privacy compliance, including data collection for credit approval and privacy policies
Providing tax advice
Qualifications, experience and skills required
To be successful in this role, you must demonstrate a passion for, and a strong interest in, the field of international and domestic customs and trade law. You must be a self-starter, motivated to drive your own learning, with excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor
Victorian Practising Certificate
2-4 years’ PAE
Demonstrated skills in legal research, drafting, negotiation and risk analysis.
A proactive mindset, with attention to detail and a commitment to exceptional client outcomes.
Experience in a regulatory environment or dealing with the Federal Government and its agencies will be advantageous. Previous experience in customs and trade law or a related field will be highly regarded.
Contact
To learn more about this exceptional opportunity, please contact Katrina Cheesewright, Head of People & Culture, at KCheesewright@rigbycooke.com.au.
Our current vacancies
.
What we offer:
Not just a workplace — a place to thrive
Our benefits
About Rigby Cooke Lawyers
Not just a workplace — a place to thrive
Big firm expertise, boutique firm culture
Work on complex, high-quality matters, while enjoying the agility, collaboration, and close-knit community with competitive salaries that sets us apart.
Support that sets you up for success
From the get-go, you are set up for success commencing with a tailored onboarding program and ongoing assistance from Legal Assistants, HR, IT and Business Development.
Your career, elevated — without the compromise
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all development. Our Learning & Development programs are shaped by staff feedback, ensuring your career evolves in ways that matter to you.
Your wellbeing matters
Our HR team provides genuine care, practical tools and proven strategies – plus access to our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program.
Work where life happens
Our prime CBD location means easy access to all public transport, and only a short walk from the courts and tribunals.
If you don’t tick every box but you are self-motivated, client-savvy and ready for the next step in your legal career — we would love to hear from you.
Our benefits
At Rigby Cooke Lawyers, we value respect, accountability and being a team player. In addition to providing a friendly and supportive culture, Rigby Cooke Lawyers offers a range of benefits to staff well in excess of standard employee benefits programs, including the opportunity to work flexibly and above market salaries.
Our employee benefits include:
Above market salaries
Generous bonus schemes
Hybrid working
Excellent CBD location, with good transport links
Salary continuance insurance
Enhanced paid parental leave
Employee assistance program
Community giving program
Collaborative working environment
Receive first class job support and mentoring
Access a range of learning and development opportunities
Social activities
Health and wellbeing initiatives
About Rigby Cooke Lawyers
Rigby Cooke Lawyers is a full-service, commercial law firm providing legal expertise and industry knowledge to private and public sector across Australia.
With origins tracing back to the 1840s, we have a long-standing reputation for achieving successful outcomes for our clients. We do this by understanding our clients’ businesses and industries, and by staying at the forefront of changes in technology and legislation.
This is because, above all else, we remain true to our mission: Our people: Your success
Our clients range from some of the largest and best-known Australian and overseas companies to mid-market, privately owned or publicly listed companies, as well as not-for-profit government entities and private clients with a mix of commercial and family assets and investments.
We work with our clients by providing full-service ongoing support for all their commercial and private needs or by offering specialty expertise when required.
You will be working closely with the Practice Lead and Partner, Andrew Hudson, to deliver advice on all aspects of trade and customs law. You will be working with importers, exporters, licensed customs brokers, freight forwarders, marine insurers, Australian manufacturers, and other industry parties to provide them with legal advice, including the review of decisions of various government agencies and litigation matters.
Role responsibilites
Drafting advice, contracts and conducting legal research
Running merits review matters including through the Administrative Review Tribunal
Disputes in relation to international transactions and provision of services such as shipping
Internal review of Compliance Assessments by the Australian Border Force (ABF)
Seeking advice from the ABF, the Australian Tax Office (ATO), and the State Revenue Office (SRO)
Preparing submissions in relation to Anti-Dumping and circumvention inquiries
Advising on trade, customs and cross-border matters, including distribution agreements, Incoterms, sanctions, and export/import controls
Providing regulatory advice on customs, biosecurity, dangerous goods, and licensing obligations (including Licensed Customs Brokers)
Supporting clients on supply chain risks, including modern slavery, port and stevedore charges, and heavy vehicle chain of responsibility obligations
Advising on privacy compliance, including data collection for credit approval and privacy policies
Providing tax advice
Qualifications, experience and skills required
To be successful in this role, you must demonstrate a passion for, and a strong interest in, the field of international and domestic customs and trade law. You must be a self-starter, motivated to drive your own learning, with excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor
Victorian Practising Certificate
2-4 years’ PAE
Demonstrated skills in legal research, drafting, negotiation and risk analysis.
A proactive mindset, with attention to detail and a commitment to exceptional client outcomes.
Experience in a regulatory environment or dealing with the Federal Government and its agencies will be advantageous. Previous experience in customs and trade law or a related field will be highly regarded.
Contact
To learn more about this exceptional opportunity, please contact Katrina Cheesewright, Head of People & Culture, at KCheesewright@rigbycooke.com.au.
Our current vacancies
.
What we offer:
Not just a workplace — a place to thrive
Our benefits
About Rigby Cooke Lawyers
Not just a workplace — a place to thrive
Big firm expertise, boutique firm culture
Work on complex, high-quality matters, while enjoying the agility, collaboration, and close-knit community with competitive salaries that sets us apart.
Support that sets you up for success
From the get-go, you are set up for success commencing with a tailored onboarding program and ongoing assistance from Legal Assistants, HR, IT and Business Development.
Your career, elevated — without the compromise
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all development. Our Learning & Development programs are shaped by staff feedback, ensuring your career evolves in ways that matter to you.
Your wellbeing matters
Our HR team provides genuine care, practical tools and proven strategies – plus access to our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program.
Work where life happens
Our prime CBD location means easy access to all public transport, and only a short walk from the courts and tribunals.
If you don’t tick every box but you are self-motivated, client-savvy and ready for the next step in your legal career — we would love to hear from you.
Our benefits
At Rigby Cooke Lawyers, we value respect, accountability and being a team player. In addition to providing a friendly and supportive culture, Rigby Cooke Lawyers offers a range of benefits to staff well in excess of standard employee benefits programs, including the opportunity to work flexibly and above market salaries.
Our employee benefits include:
Above market salaries
Generous bonus schemes
Hybrid working
Excellent CBD location, with good transport links
Salary continuance insurance
Enhanced paid parental leave
Employee assistance program
Community giving program
Collaborative working environment
Receive first class job support and mentoring
Access a range of learning and development opportunities
Social activities
Health and wellbeing initiatives
About Rigby Cooke Lawyers
Rigby Cooke Lawyers is a full-service, commercial law firm providing legal expertise and industry knowledge to private and public sector across Australia.
With origins tracing back to the 1840s, we have a long-standing reputation for achieving successful outcomes for our clients. We do this by understanding our clients’ businesses and industries, and by staying at the forefront of changes in technology and legislation.
This is because, above all else, we remain true to our mission: Our people: Your success
Our clients range from some of the largest and best-known Australian and overseas companies to mid-market, privately owned or publicly listed companies, as well as not-for-profit government entities and private clients with a mix of commercial and family assets and investments.
We work with our clients by providing full-service ongoing support for all their commercial and private needs or by offering specialty expertise when required.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Lawyer — Customs & Trade position is now open for candidates interested in the Back Office Jobs sector. This role in Melbourne offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Back Office Jobs is a plus.