Early careers at Justice
Start your career in the Department of Justice, where you can make a difference to the lives of Queenslanders.
Working in our department gives you the opportunity to address complex issues, such as reducing overrepresentation of First Nations people in the justice system, ending domestic and family violence, and minimising gambling harm.
Whether you're drafting legislation, delving into policy research, advising on trauma-informed approaches, or embedding cultural capability into our work, your contributions will drive positive change.
We hire across a broad range of disciplines, including business, communications, criminology, information technology, justice, law, policy, social work, social science and more.
Find out more about working for us, including what we do, what we can offer you, and more.
Excited, overwhelmed or unsure where to start? Email our talent team at careers@justice.qld.gov.au.
The Queensland Government offers a variety of graduate programs, ensuring there's something for everyone, regardless of your field of study. To explore all available opportunities, visit the Queensland Government’s Graduate Programs page.
If you're interested in starting your graduate journey with the Department of Justice, consider applying for one of these programs:
- Law and Justice Graduate Program: Ideal for graduates who want to make a difference by contributing to justice reform, community safety, and fair services for all Queenslanders. Applications open Mid-Year.
- Policy Futures Graduate Program: Designed to help you build a career as a policy professional, this program involves researching, analysing, and developing solutions that inform government decisions and drive positive change. Applications open early in the year.
- Digital Graduate Program: Focused on launching careers in digital solutions and IT projects, this program is perfect for those interested in delivering exciting and innovative digital solutions. Applications open Mid-Year.
If you can’t find a program that suits you or if you missed the application deadline this year, don’t worry! You don’t have to wait until next year to start your career with purpose. The Department of Justice offers a diverse range of entry-level roles that are perfect for starting your career.
You can apply for these roles at any time, and even work part-time while you study. If you’re still unsure, you can submit an expression of interest, and one of our talent team members will help you find your place.
At the Department of Justice, we're always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to start their careers with purpose. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, a university student or graduate, or someone seeking a career change, we can help get you started on your career path.
A few examples of our entry level roles include:
- Administration Officer: Provides general administrative tasks, registering and data entry of QCAT entries, photocopying and assisting with front counter and telephone enquiries.
- Court Services Officer: Assists with administrative processes, case management, and provides support to judicial officers in the courtroom, contributing to comprehensive services for members of the public, judicial officers, and various internal and external stakeholders.
- Client Services Officer: The first point of contact for telephone and counter enquiries from a wide range of clients, including vulnerable members of the community, relating to all Queensland Civil & Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) jurisdictions and administrative duties.
- Victim Liaison Officer: Provides essential administrative support to Legal Officers and Crown Prosecutors in the areas of victim information, referral, and support.
- Administration Officer Transcriber: Responsible for transcribing Records of Interview, Conduct of Search Warrants, Field Tapes, 000 calls, and witness statements.
- Licensing Officer: Provides responsive licensing services that balance public need and harm minimisation with industry development.
You can explore the diverse opportunities that we have at the Department of Justice on Queensland Government Smart Jobs. Here are some tips to make it easier to find the right role for you:
- Visit Smart Jobs
- Filter by Location to narrow it down to opportunities in your preferred work locations.
- Filter by Department and select the Department of Justice.
- Check the box for use more Search Options.
- Filter by Classification, and select AO2, AO3, AO4, PO1, or PO2 for entry-level positions.
- Use additional filters as needed to narrow down your search.
Note for career changers: If you're joining a new area, don't underestimate the power of transferable skills. Your previous experience can be incredibly valuable in a new role.
If you’re still unsure, you can submit an expression of interest and one of our talent team members will help you find your place.
If you are a student who is looking to build your experience or test the waters of what a career at the Department of Justice could look like while you are studying, there are plenty of options available.
- Work Integrated Learning Internships – are an opportunity for university students to undertake learning in a work context as part of your course requirements, these opportunities can be across a broad range of disciplines.
- Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Work Experience Placement Program
- Crown Law First Nations Clerkship Program - is an ideal opportunity for students in their second year (or beyond) of their law degree to undertake a 12-month part-time clerkship in a culturally capable team. Crown Law opportunities are advertised on Smart Jobs.
- High school work experience – Students if you over 14 years of age can undertake unpaid work experience when facilitated in partnership with your educational provider.
If you are interested in exploring any of these opportunities please submit an expression of interest and one of our talent team members will reach out.