Lawyer - Justice Connect

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Sep 30, 2016 - An opportunity has arisen to join one of Australia's most successful public interest and pro bono law org
Lawyer Self Representation Service (VIC) Play a key role in improving access to justice Use your litigation and client skills to deliver legal assistance to people experiencing disadvantage Join a dynamic and growing organisation

Melbourne Office PO Box 16013 Melbourne VIC DX 128 Melbourne Tel +61 3 8636 4400 Fax +61 3 8636 4455

justiceconnect.org.au

Lawyer, Self Representation Service An opportunity has arisen to join one of Australia’s most successful public interest and pro bono law organisations. Justice Connect is a not-for-profit organisation with a vision of a world that is fair and just; where rights are respected and advanced, laws are fairer, and systems are more accessible and accountable. Justice Connect provides access to justice through pro bono legal services to people experiencing disadvantage and the community organisations that support them. We also address injustice through law reform, policy work and legal education. With funding from the federal government as part of a national program, the Self Representation Service operates in the Federal and Federal Circuit Courts in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT. The service provides assistance to unrepresented litigants who do not have access to legal assistance and advice through other sources. We are currently seeking a Lawyer to assist the Manager and Senior Lawyer to operate and develop the service in Victoria and Tasmania. The role supports the delivery of access to justice through pro bono legal services for people experiencing disadvantage and includes building, supporting and engaging a strong commitment to pro bono work among lawyers. If you are a dynamic litigator with a minimum of 2 years post admission experience, are committed to access to justice through pro bono and a highly accomplished relationship manager, we would like to hear from you. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic organisation that shares your vision of a fairer society. Justice Connect welcomes and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Applications close at 9am Friday 30 September 2016 Position description, selection criteria and application details are available at www.justiceconnect.org.au/jobs

Position description Position title

Lawyer, Self Representation Service (VIC)

Position reports to

Manager, Self Representation Service (NSW) Legal supervision by Senior Lawyer, Self Representation Service

Position supervises

Paralegal (NSW) and Volunteer lawyers

Position Works in Close Collaboration with

Senior Lawyer, Self Representation Service; Lawyer, Self Representation Service (NSW)

Employment status

Fixed term to 30 June 2017. May be extended subject to availability of ongoing funding.

Hours

Part-time 30 hours a week (0.8 EFT)

Salary

Pro-rata of $79,291.05 per annum, plus 9.5% superannuation, annual leave loading and generous salary packaging options1

Location

Level 17, 461 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000

Closing date

Applications close 9am Friday 30 September 2016

For further information

Phone Tori Edwards, Manager, Self Representation Service on 02 8599 2116

Role purpose With funding from the federal government as part of a national program, the Self Representation Service operates in the Federal and Federal Circuit Courts in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT. The service provides assistance to self represented litigants who do not have access to legal assistance and advice through other sources. The Lawyer will support the Senior Lawyer and Manager to operate and develop the service. The role supports the delivery of access to justice through pro bono legal services for people experiencing disadvantage and includes building, supporting and engaging a strong commitment to pro bono work among lawyers. The Lawyer will need to travel to NSW from time to time.

Key responsibilities 

Support the Manager, Self Representation Service (the Manager) and the Senior Lawyer, Self Representation Service (Senior Lawyer) to operate and develop the Self Representation Service (the Service) in Victoria and Tasmania



Supervise and support paralegal and Practical Legal Training Students to conduct intake assessment of client requests



Assess applications for assistance, and determine appropriate assistance for clients of the Service



Identify and research the legal issues involved in client enquiries and prepare briefs to volunteer lawyers or provide urgent advice to clients when required



Support and supervise volunteer lawyers in providing advice to clients, including by reviewing advice provided by volunteer lawyers and preparing client letters confirming the advice



Provide legal supervision of Practical Legal Training Students and mentor Service paralegals

As a Public Benevolent Institution, Justice Connect is able to offer staff generous salary packaging options. The tax savings for a staff member choosing to take full advantage of the salary packaging option mean that their take home salary is more than it would be without access to salary packaging. 1



Refer clients to member firms and barristers where appropriate for pro bono assistance



Refer clients to alternative services where appropriate



Assist the Manager and Senior Lawyer to maintain strong relationships with Justice Connect member firms



Support the Manager and Senior Lawyer to promote the Service in Victoria and Tasmania by developing and maintaining promotional materials about the Service, speaking at public functions and publishing articles on the Service



Conduct training program for volunteer solicitors in collaboration under direction of Senior Lawyer



Develop and maintain legal resources for the Service in collaboration with Senior Lawyer and Service Lawyer (NSW)



Support the Manager and Senior Lawyer to maintain strong relationships with the Federal and Federal Circuit Courts’ Registries in Victoria and Tasmania



Assist the Manager of the Service with the governance, reporting and evaluation of the Service



Represent the Service in a range of strategic networks in Victoria and Tasmania and contribute to internal and external publications specifically to promote the Service and improve access to justice and advance law reform



Undertake professional development activities to improve legal knowledge and non-legal skills



Perform other duties as directed and necessary to the proper performance of the role

This job description outlines the current duties and responsibilities of the position. These will be reviewed on a regular basis with the position holder and are subject to change according to the needs and priorities of Justice Connect and the Service.

Selection criteria Qualifications

 Eligible to hold an unrestricted practising certificate (essential) Experience

 A minimum of two years’ post admission litigation experience preferably in the Federal Court  Experience in managing client files and delivery of plain language legal advice  Experience delivering training and in public speaking (preferred)

Knowledge, skills & attributes

 Sound knowledge of the legal issues that commonly arise for people experiencing disadvantage  Knowledge of the legal assistance and pro bono sectors  Knowledge of the procedures of the Registries of the Federal Court and Federal Circuit Court  Excellent legal research and written communication skills and ability to give accurate and practical legal information and advice.  High level of communication and negotiation skills, with a demonstrated ability to use those skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders and clients  Demonstrated ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively in a team environment  Highly motivated  Sound computer skills within a legal practice environment  A commitment to Justice Connect’s vision and values

Employee benefits Justice Connect offers employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax-free), flexible working arrangements, above award annual leave provisions and opportunities for professional development. Justice Connect is an organisation that strives to show leadership, operate sustainably and demonstrate our effectiveness. You will be rewarded with a workplace culture that is professional, committed, collaborative and creative and where you can make a real difference through your work.

Important information For further information about Justice Connect and its work, please visit www.justiceconnect.org.au Justice Connect welcomes and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The application process is as follows:  Applications are to be submitted in either Word or PDF format as one document, comprising of a cover letter and/or a succinct statement outlining your suitability for the role, with reference to the selection criteria and a current curriculum vitae.  Applications should addressed to Tori Edwards and emailed to [email protected] no later than 9am Friday 30 September 2016 with ‘Lawyer, Self Representation Service (VIC)’ included in the subject line.  Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by telephone.