About the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

Founded 19 years ago, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is Australia’s largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. We are an independent not-for-profit organisation whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social well being. We champion the rights of people seeking asylum and mobilise a community of compassion to create lasting social and policy change.

We are a value-driven organisation that strives to be part of a change movement that supports people seeking asylum by providing critical services such as assistance with accommodation, food provisions, casework and legal services.

The ASRC movement is proudly supported by a community of committed volunteers and supporters who embrace the organisation’s vision that people seeking asylum can live safely, sustainably, independently and equally.

About The Role

The ASRC is seeking highly motivated and passionate Solicitors (Refugee and Human Rights Law) to join the Human Rights Law Program (HRLP).

This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the provision of high quality legal services to people seeking asylum in short-term critical roles.

The team is composed of incredibly dedicated staff and volunteers working on one of the most contentious and complex human rights issues in Australia.

Roles will be offered on a 3 month contract basis, and there are multiple positions suited to lawyers and migration agents of varying levels.

Duties for junior to mid level lawyers/migration agents include:

• Reviewing client files and taking instructions, including using interpreters
• Identifying additional protection claims and documentation necessary
• Attending Departmental interviews and supporting clients through these interviews
• Preparing follow-up submissions

Additional duties for the Senior Solicitor/Migration Agent roles:

• Providing support and supervision of solicitors/migration agents, including reviewing substantive written work
• Allocating work to solicitors/migration agents
• Preparing template/precedent documents for use
• Liaising with law firms participating on a pro bono basis in the project

About You

The successful applicant will possess the following skills, attributes and experience:

• Solicitor with current legal practice certificate and migration agent registration (or eligibility to obtain registration)
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in refugee law and practice
• Demonstrated competence in advocacy before administrative decision makers and courts
• Ability to train, develop and supervise students and/or volunteers
• Willingness to undertake work offsite in places such as immigration detention centres
• Experience working within a community legal centre
• Experience working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse background
• Demonstrated commitment to the principle of social justice
• Experience managing litigation matters
• Lived experience or CALD background

Employee Benefits

Be a part of the largest human rights organisation for refugees and people seeking asylum, in Australia. We recognise and appreciate our incredible staff for their contribution, dedication and passion to support and empower people seeking asylum by providing the following conditions above the relevant modern award:

• The ASRC offers Flexible Working Arrangements, including the ability to work remotely
• Generous Leave (annual Leave Loading of 17.5%)
• Additional discretionary leave provisions including:
• Free onsite parking
• Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year tax free)
• Entertainment Packaging (up to $2,650 per year tax free)
• Discounts via HR systems provider at grocery and retail outlets
• 100 metres from Footscray station and buses

Position Description

Please email [email protected], using the subject line: Solicitor / Migration Agent enquiry via EthicalJobs, for a copy of the position description or contact Beth in the HR Team (03) 9326 6066

Application Process

Only applications that include a CV and Cover Letter, will be considered.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.