• Are you a junior lawyer looking for an opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience in a leading social justice organisation?
• Do you want to support clients to navigate family violence matters?
• Would you like to gain exposure and experience in a range of areas of law?
• We want to hear from you.

background

This is a rare opportunity for a Junior Lawyer to join a community legal centre and gain valuable skills and experience across a range of legal disciplines. The role has a primary focus on supporting our clients through family violence programs (ERS, duty lawyering, etc.), with the opportunity to develop skills in other areas such as youth law. You will have the opportunity to run your own files, undertake appearances, contribute to policy work and support community outreach and education programs.

SMLS is committed to building strong and transferable skills in new and emerging lawyers through supervised practice, continuing professional development, exposure to a range of legal matters and participation in advocacy programs. You will have the opportunity to work with a team of committed, passionate and skilled lawyers across our range of specialty areas as well as our community development and social work teams.

About SMLS 

 Established in 1973, South-East Monash Legal Service (SMLS) is a community legal centre that provides free legal assistance to people in Southeast Melbourne. SMLS provides legal information, advice and case work including representation for people experiencing disadvantage on a range of legal matters, such as family law and family violence, employment law, debt and fines, civil litigation, wills, power of attorney, and tenancy. 

 SMLS aims to empower and support members of the community to understand and make use of the law and the legal system to protect their rights and to increase their awareness of their legal responsibilities. SMLS is a strong advocate of and committed to the use of integrated service models to address multifaceted challenges facing our community members. 

 SMLS is committed to advocacy and social change. SMLS is a leader in the provision of community and clinical legal education; advocacy through policy submissions and lobbying; outreach services; and targeted referral programs. 

Position responsibilities 

 Advocacy and Casework 

• Provide legal information, advice, representation and casework services to clients, including duty lawyer support
• Provide assistance to clients at outreach locations as required 
• Refer clients to other relevant services and community resources where appropriate 
• Maintain appropriate file management system 

• Build and maintain important relationships with SMLS staff, students, volunteers, and other stakeholders 

Skills and Experience 

Essential 

• Minimum 18 months post admission as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Victoria;
• Recent case law experience;
• Possess an interest in assisting clients with family violence legal problems

• Exceptional time management skills and demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks and meet critical deadlines
• Well-developed communication skills, ability to engage with all members of our diverse community, empathy and compassion 
• Demonstrated experience in working within organisational systems, processes and policies 
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and build mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders 
• Proven ability to contribute to a cohesive team environment by sharing information, supporting team priorities and ensuring open communication 

 Desirable 

• Experience working in a medium, fast paced organisation.  

 Personal Attributes 

• Motivated by collaboration and collective success.   
• Flexible, adaptive and able to work effectively in a small team, and independently.  
• Solutions and outcomes focused, with a steady line of sight to the impact of our actions for clients. 
• Openness to change, receptiveness to new ideas and exercise initiative.  
• Capacity to reflect on own work performance. 
• Strong commitment to social justice, and values alignment with the SMLSs values. 
• Committed to contributing to a positive work environment. 

Location 

 The position will be based at SMLS offices in Springvale and Narre Warren as well as outreach site and court attendance. 

Occasional work outside normal office hours may be required, such as to attend meetings and after hours events.  

to apply

Applicants should submit a current resume and a cover letter (max two pages) outlining your reasons for applying and suitability for the role.

Follow the Apply Now link below.

For further information about the role please refer to the Position Description attached below.

If you would like to discuss the role, please contact SMLS on (03) 9545 7400 after January 4th 2022 to arrange a confidential discussion with Belle Savage.