Lawyer — Customs & Trade

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

To view our other vacancies, please view our Careers page.

What we offer:

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.