About the Role

The Gender Clinic sits within the ASRC's Human Rights Law Program and is the only specialist legal service in Australia that provides legal advice and assistance to individuals seeking asylum, who may fear harm in their countries of origin on the basis of their gender, sexuality or experiences of family violence.

Casework volunteers work under the supervision of our staff Gender Lawyer to provide legal advice and assistance to our clients at all stages of the refugee status determination process, within a limited assistance model.

We provide an energetic and engaging workplace with ongoing training and development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Under supervision of a staff solicitor, work in a busy legal clinic to deliver high quality casework at all stages of the refugee determination process.
• Undertake casework on files as instructed, including preparing protection visa applications, statutory declarations, Freedom of Information requests, case summaries and chronologies, legal submissions.
• Complete paralegal tasks for clients such as drafting correspondence, taking accurate messages, booking in clients and completing Department of Immigration forms.
• Assist with overall file management, including maintaining neat files, writing comprehensive file notes and other administrative duties as necessary.
• Undertake legal research including country of origin information, human rights reports and relevant case law.

What we’re looking for

As this is a highly specialised role, please note that applicants will only be considered if they meet ALL of the following essential criteria:

• Significant experience working directly with vulnerable clients in a legal setting
• Experience working in trauma or understanding of trauma informed practices
• Demonstrated experience in the legal sector
• Availability on Thursdays 10am-5pm, with a 12-month commitment
• Only self-identifying female applicants will be considered for this role. This Clinic provides services to vulnerable women and is subject to an exemption under section 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act (2010) (Vic)

Desirable:

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with a current Victorian practising certificate (or eligible to apply for a Victorian practising certificate
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work respectfully with people from different cultural backgrounds
• Computer literacy skills, including in Google and Microsoft systems and client databases

Commitment Required

We are looking for a commitment of one shift per week, ideally for 12 months. Shifts are currently only available on Thursdays from 10am–5pm.