Nikki Nguyen

Law graduate with approximately five years' legal experience in civil and criminal matters in both public and private practice.

Experience in several Australian jurisdictions, with skills in legal research and admin, drafting court documents, communicating with clients, and supporting trial counsel. Objective to gain legal experience within the United Kingdom in a paralegal, law clerk, or legal administration role.

Paralegal at Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (SA) (2025-04 – Present)

Performed legal-related work under the supervision of a solicitor to assist with the conduct of major indictable criminal prosecution matters.

• Experience gained in drafting court documents including prosecution case statements, outlines of argument, discreditable conduct/bad character evidence notices, and vulnerable witness special measures applications.
• Prepared memoranda recommending charges, while assessing prospects of conviction, civilian and expert evidence (i.e. forensic, digital, drug, DNA, and ballistics), and public interest considerations.
• Conducted legal research for matters in both trial and appellate jurisdictions, including for an appeal heard in the High Court of Australia.
• Prepared trial briefs comprising large volumes of sensitive material, while ensuring compliance with prosecution disclosure obligations.
• Acted in an instructing capacity, assisting counsel by drafting submissions, creating aide-memoires and collating exhibits for jury trials, and attending court with counsel on numerous trials, voir dires, and appeals.

Paralegal at WK Lawyers (2023-06 – 2025-04)

Provided support in workers' compensation, employment, and personal injury matters across South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.

• Drafted court documents, namely: merits and judicial review applications; claim forms; case statements; and client affidavits.
• Gained experience in preparing briefs to counsel, drafting letters of instruction to expert witnesses, and letters of advice to clients.
• Performed administrative tasks including managing reception, preparing terms of engagement and invoices, recording billables, note-taking during conferences with clients and counsel, and organising firm social events.

Legal and Administration Assistant at Office of the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity (SA) (2024-09 – 2025-04)

Provided support to the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity, Ms Jodeen Carney.

• Assessed human rights and discrimination complaints, and prepared opinion memoranda regarding the proposed exercise of the Commissioner's powers under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA).
• Drafted rulings and determinations made by the Commissioner, and letters to complainants and respondents to facilitate negotiation by communicating offers to resolve, or arranging conciliation conferences.
• Liaised with stakeholders and assisted with community engagement for WE'RE EQUAL - an initiative promoting respect and discrimination-free businesses.

Law and Justice Intern at Office of the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity (SA) (2024-06 – 2024-09)

Secured a competitive internship facilitated through the University of Adelaide, awarded on the basis of demonstrated interpersonal and professional communication skills and high academic achievement.

• Conducted legal and policy research, and assisted in drafting the 2024 Review of Harassment in the Legal Profession Report, commissioned by the Attorney-General, the Hon Kyam Maher MLC.
• Examined reported experiences of sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying in the South Australian legal profession, and proposed statutory and regulatory reforms to ensure greater accountability.

Receptionist and Administration Assistant at Mahony's Lawyers (2021-09 – 2023-06)

Provided support in family, criminal, employment, insurance, and wills and estates matters.

• Drafted Last Will and Testaments, Powers of Attorney, joint and sole Applications for Divorce, letters of advice to clients, and letters of instruction to counsel.
• Responsible for administrative and front of house duties including, but not limited to, managing reception, liaising with clients, preparing cost advices and invoices, recording billables, and typing solicitor dictations.

Café Attendant at Soul Origin (2019 – 2023)

Retail Assistant at Lovisa (2018 – 2019)

Musician – Work Experience at Band of the South Australia Police (2018 – 2018)

Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice – College of Law Australia (2025 – 2026)

Certificate in Legal Tech and Business Skills – College of Law Australia (2025 – 2026)

Bachelor of Laws in Laws – The University of Adelaide (2021 – 2025)

Bachelor of Criminology in Criminology – The University of Adelaide (2021 – 2025)

South Australian Certificate of Education – St Dominic's Priory College (2015 – 2020)