Firm Background
Russell Kennedy is a prominent and highly respected Melbourne mid-tier commercial law firm with a culture that distinguishes us from other firms. We operate in a friendly environment and genuinely encourage a work/life balance. The firm proudly counts amongst its clients some of Australia's leading corporations, government bodies, statutory authorities and local government organisations.
Being a mid-tier firm allows Russell Kennedy to have the best of both worlds. Our client list is impressive, and talented lawyers are attracted to our firm because they can practise in a specialised area of their choice. The size of our firm also ensures that all staff have a large amount of contact with each other and our clients.
We are committed to providing high quality legal advice to our clients, a rewarding working environment for our staff and a sound learning environment for our seasonal clerks.
Firm Objectives
At Russell Kennedy, we value integrity and make a simple pledge: to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical, expert legal guidance to all our clients.
Quality of legal advice, depth of understanding of the law and strong representation are paramount to our business. We seek the best possible outcomes for our clients, in both a legal and commercial sense, and resolve issues promptly and effectively.
We respect our clients, develop close relationships and focus on our primary responsibility - the delivery of current, informed and first-class legal advice.
Areas of Legal Practice
We offer our clients a wide range of expertise, with access to specialist practitioners in our sectors of focus. These are:
- Aged Care and Retirement Living
- Banking and Finance
- Business Services
- Health
- Insurance
- Local Government and Water
- Not-for-profit
- Property Development
- State and Commonwealth Government
Employee Numbers
Russell Kennedy employees 230 legal and non-legal staff in Melbourne and Canberra.
Firm Culture
We adopt a practical, hands-on approach which means our lawyers have direct contact with our blue ribbon client base and work on a diverse range of projects, tenders and cases.
This means you will be given work that is challenging, interesting and rewarding.
Our Principals are approachable and accessible to everyone. They are open to the fresh views and ideas of our younger staff.
Our Principals will spend time with you discussing your work so that you gain the benefit of their experience. You will learn and cultivate your own style in an environment that is both stimulating and supportive.
We recognise the importance of leading a balanced life and encourage everyone to balance the time they spend at work with time spent at home; and a professional and committed work ethic and environment with a personal, relaxed and enjoyable working environment.
We have an active social committee which organises a variety of activities such as sports,, regular lunch time get-togethers, Friday night drinks and special events such as Christmas parties, the End of Financial Year Party, Trivia Night and the Melbourne Cup Lunch. We also have fresh fruit delivered twice weekly and run regular Health & Wellbeing seminars for staff.
Pro Bono Work
Russell Kennedy is committed to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This is reflected in our Pro Bono program, our involvement in many community initiatives, and our pursuit of sustainability in the way we operate our business.
We recognise that there are individuals and organisations that work for the public good who cannot afford the services of a professional lawyer. Pro Bono work provides a practical means by which Russell Kennedy engages with and contributes to the community and advances access to justice.
Pro Bono work has been a hallmark of Russell Kennedy's culture and ethos. Principals, Senior Associates and Lawyers are encouraged to provide pro bono legal services to a range of organisations.
Attributes and Skills
We are very proud of our culture and we work hard to recruit people who we believe will flourish in our environment.
Naturally a sound academic record is an important starting point for every legal graduate. However, we also look for other attributes, such as extracurricular interests and life experiences outside your studies. These may be previous work experience, volunteer work, travel, sporting or cultural interests.
We look for personable, insightful and intelligent people who show energy and enthusiasm. You need to be confident, skilful and enjoy working as part of a team.
Postgraduate Study
Russell Kennedy recognises post graduate study as an investment, both on the part of the employee and the firm. It is a practical and achievable way of demonstrating a commitment to our staff while they develop their skills, knowledge and qualifications.
Legal Training
We are committed to helping our people achieve their full potential. Everyone is given an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge through working in a stimulating environment and learning from practitioners who are leaders in their fields.
We encourage our lawyers and staff to attend in-house and external training programs to enhance their professional and personal development which may meet the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs of lawyers.
Russell Kennedy’s ‘Edge’ Learning and Development program is designed to nurture your talents so you can more effectively reach your potential at the firm. The program is designed to address specific training needs at different stages of your career – with the focus being on technical, business, client and people skills. Our regular performance reviews also provide an opportunity to identify strengths and work on those skills that require development.
Firm Background
Russell Kennedy is a prominent and highly respected Melbourne mid-tier commercial law firm with a culture that distinguishes us from other firms. We operate in a friendly environment and genuinely encourage a work/life balance. The firm proudly counts amongst its clients some of Australia's leading corporations, government bodies, statutory authorities and local government organisations.
Being a mid-tier firm allows Russell Kennedy to have the best of both worlds. Our client list is impressive, and talented lawyers are attracted to our firm because they can practise in a specialised area of their choice. The size of our firm also ensures that all staff have a large amount of contact with each other and our clients.
We are committed to providing high quality legal advice to our clients, a rewarding working environment for our staff and a sound learning environment for our seasonal clerks.
Firm Objectives
At Russell Kennedy, we value integrity and make a simple pledge: to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical, expert legal guidance to all our clients.
Quality of legal advice, depth of understanding of the law and strong representation are paramount to our business. We seek the best possible outcomes for our clients, in both a legal and commercial sense, and resolve issues promptly and effectively.
We respect our clients, develop close relationships and focus on our primary responsibility - the delivery of current, informed and first-class legal advice.
Areas of Legal Practice
We offer our clients a wide range of expertise, with access to specialist practitioners in our sectors of focus. These are:
- Aged Care and Retirement Living
- Banking and Finance
- Business Services
- Health
- Insurance
- Local Government and Water
- Not-for-profit
- Property Development
- State and Commonwealth Government
Employee Numbers
Russell Kennedy employees 230 legal and non-legal staff in Melbourne and Canberra.
Firm Culture
We adopt a practical, hands-on approach which means our lawyers have direct contact with our blue ribbon client base and work on a diverse range of projects, tenders and cases.
This means you will be given work that is challenging, interesting and rewarding.
Our Principals are approachable and accessible to everyone. They are open to the fresh views and ideas of our younger staff.
Our Principals will spend time with you discussing your work so that you gain the benefit of their experience. You will learn and cultivate your own style in an environment that is both stimulating and supportive.
We recognise the importance of leading a balanced life and encourage everyone to balance the time they spend at work with time spent at home; and a professional and committed work ethic and environment with a personal, relaxed and enjoyable working environment.
We have an active social committee which organises a variety of activities such as sports,, regular lunch time get-togethers, Friday night drinks and special events such as Christmas parties, the End of Financial Year Party, Trivia Night and the Melbourne Cup Lunch. We also have fresh fruit delivered twice weekly and run regular Health & Wellbeing seminars for staff.
Pro Bono Work
Russell Kennedy is committed to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This is reflected in our Pro Bono program, our involvement in many community initiatives, and our pursuit of sustainability in the way we operate our business.
We recognise that there are individuals and organisations that work for the public good who cannot afford the services of a professional lawyer. Pro Bono work provides a practical means by which Russell Kennedy engages with and contributes to the community and advances access to justice.
Pro Bono work has been a hallmark of Russell Kennedy's culture and ethos. Principals, Senior Associates and Lawyers are encouraged to provide pro bono legal services to a range of organisations.
Attributes and Skills
We are very proud of our culture and we work hard to recruit people who we believe will flourish in our environment.
Naturally a sound academic record is an important starting point for every legal graduate. However, we also look for other attributes, such as extracurricular interests and life experiences outside your studies. These may be previous work experience, volunteer work, travel, sporting or cultural interests.
We look for personable, insightful and intelligent people who show energy and enthusiasm. You need to be confident, skilful and enjoy working as part of a team.
Postgraduate Study
Russell Kennedy recognises post graduate study as an investment, both on the part of the employee and the firm. It is a practical and achievable way of demonstrating a commitment to our staff while they develop their skills, knowledge and qualifications.
Legal Training
We are committed to helping our people achieve their full potential. Everyone is given an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge through working in a stimulating environment and learning from practitioners who are leaders in their fields.
We encourage our lawyers and staff to attend in-house and external training programs to enhance their professional and personal development which may meet the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs of lawyers.
Russell Kennedy’s ‘Edge’ Learning and Development program is designed to nurture your talents so you can more effectively reach your potential at the firm. The program is designed to address specific training needs at different stages of your career – with the focus being on technical, business, client and people skills. Our regular performance reviews also provide an opportunity to identify strengths and work on those skills that require development.