Canberra Community Law has a volunteer paralegal program open to penultimate or final year law students who are interested in contributing to the work undertaken by the centre. The volunteer paralegal program provides an opportunity for law students to:

• contribute to the day-to-day operations of Canberra Community Law through administrative and legal support
• apply and enhance their legal and administrative skills in a practical, client-facing setting
• receive supervision and mentorship from a Canberra Community Law solicitor
• access Canberra Community Law’s internal professional development program

Paralegals are required to commit to a minimum of one half-day per week, for a minimum of one semester (or equivalent duration). After this period, paralegals may apply to complete the practical component of their Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice as part of this program.

Key paralegal duties include:

• Undertaking legal tasks including legal research, assisting with maintaining client files, preparing chronologies, drafting legal submissions, preparing case studies, attending client appointments and preparing file notes.
• Undertaking administrative tasks, including completing client intake processes, client data entry, answering phone calls and other administrative tasks to assist with the day-to-day operation of the centre.

All volunteers who complete the program will receive a certificate confirming their attendance and contribution.

We are now taking applications for the Semester 1 2022 program.

Application process and selection criteria

Click Apply Now and follow the instructions.

Essential criteria

• Administrative and organisational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to think critically and problem-solve
• An interest in social justice

Desirable criteria

• Experience working with clients including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
• Experience working in a legal and/or community service environment
• Experience in reception/administration
• Experience in customer service

TIMELINE

• Interviews: 14th-18th February.
• Orientation: Wednesday 23rd and Friday 25th February (you must be available for at least one of these days).
• The program begins on Monday 28th February 2022 and finishes on Friday 17th June 2022.

Please note that changes to this timeline or cancellation of the program are possible in the event of changes to the COVID-19 situation.

If you have any questions, please contact Georgia Graham on 02 6218 7900 or [email protected] using the subject line: Volunteers - Paralegal Program enquiry via EthicalJobs.