Position description, selection criteria and application details ... Assist with the preparation and revision of plain E
Undertake and supervise criminal law casework Play a lead role in law reform and advocacy work Support the delivery of access to justice through pro bono Join a dynamic and growing organisation
PO Box 16013 Melbourne VIC DX 128 Melbourne Tel +61 3 8636 4400 Fax +61 3 8636 4455
justiceconnect.org.au
An exciting 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. Homeless Law is our specialist legal service for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We work closely with pro bono lawyers to provide hundreds of people with legal information, advice and representation. Our services are outreach based and client centred, and we don’t just focus on legal issues. Homeless Law's social workers and our relationships with the homelessness sector build our capacity to understand and respond to clients with a range of non-legal needs. We are currently seeking a Criminal Lawyer to play a key role in delivering a range of high quality legal services to Justice Connect’s Homeless Law program. If you have significant knowledge of the criminal legal issues faced by people experiencing homelessness, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a desire to make a difference for human rights and social justice, we look forward to hearing from you.
Applications close at 9am on Tuesday 21 July 2015. Position description, selection criteria and application details are available at www.justiceconnect.org.au/jobs
Position title
Criminal Lawyer, Homeless Law
Position reports to
Manager, Homeless Law
Salary
Pro rata of $84,714.75 per annum, plus 9.5% superannuation, annual leave loading & generous salary packaging options
Employment Status
Two year contract
Hours
Part-time @ 30 hours a week (0.8 FTE)
Location
Level 17, 461 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Closing Date
Applications are due by 9am on Tuesday 21 July 2015
For further information
Phone Lucy Adams, Manager Homeless Law on (03) 8636 4409
The Criminal Lawyer, Homeless Law will play a lead role in delivering a range of high quality legal services to the Justice Connect Homeless Law program.
Manage Homeless Law criminal casework, including providing high quality legal advice and representation to Homeless Law clients. Undertake policy & advocacy work, including preparing or coordinating submissions on areas of law or policy that affect Homeless Law’s client group. Supervise and mentor graduate lawyers and secondees. Identify and pursue strategic litigation opportunities that further the aims and objectives of Justice Connect and Homeless Law. Actively participate in the promotion of Homeless Law activities, including representing Homeless Law in a range of public forums, the media and by contributing to internal and external publications. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with key stakeholders of Homeless Law, in particular participating Justice Connect member firms and host agencies. Participate in the development and delivery of training programs for pro bono lawyers in relevant areas of law. Assist with the preparation and revision of plain English web-based resources for lawyers and advocates. Assist with the governance, reporting and evaluation requirements of Homeless Law, including reports for the Justice Connect Board and external funders. 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 Homeless Law.
Qualifications
Qualified solicitor or barrister eligible to practice in Victoria and hold a practising certificate
Experience
Five years plus post admission experience in criminal law Experience in law reform and advocacy work, preferably in a not-forprofit context
Knowledge & skills
Knowledge of the legal and pro bono sectors in Victoria Excellent understanding of the criminal legal issues commonly faced by people experiencing homelessness and experience running criminal matters Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to successfully manage stakeholder relationships including with Homeless Law clients, the private legal sector, the community legal and homelessness sectors and government Strong written communication skills and experience in law reform Demonstrated commitment to social justice and human rights Excellent time-management skills A commitment to monitoring & evaluation, measuring social impact and continuous improvement Highly motivated professional Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
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.
For further information about Justice Connect and its work, please visit www.justiceconnect.org.au
The application process is as follows:
Applications should be addressed to Lucy Adams, Manager Homeless Law and should comprise a single word or PDF file including cover letter, your resume, and a succinct statement outlining your suitability for the role with reference to the selection criteria.
Applications should be emailed to
[email protected] as a single word or PDF file including “Criminal Lawyer” in the email subject line.
Applications close at 9am on Tuesday 21 July 2015.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by telephone.
Interviews for the position will most likely be held in the week commencing Monday 27 July 2015.
