An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced legal administrator to join the Hobart office of foremost public interest environmental law center in Australia.

We are:

We are a national public interest environmental law organisation, the largest in Australia Pacific. Over our 35-year history we’ve developed a formidable track record of empowering communities and delivering effective protection of the environment through legal services.

With the 8 Environmental Defenders Offices around Australia merging in late 2019, we are now entering a period of substantial growth necessary to meet the growing demands of the public for public interest legal services to address environmental and public health issues such as climate change.

We can see a future in which Australia’s environmental laws protect our communities from pollution, prevent extinction and restore our degraded landscapes. We see a future were Australia’s laws protect future generations, providing a framework for a safe and habitable climate.

We play a crucial role in achieving that vision using legal expertise to empower communities and protect our environment. Through legal advocacy, litigation and community education, we are an organisation driven by environmental justice for people and passion for nature.

We provide the people of Australia with the assistance they need to defend people, place and culture. We offer a range of legal services, including:

• A national skilled team of lawyers able to assist clients with preliminary advice through to court cases and other representation, on a wide range of subject matter areas.
• A network of scientists and other professionals providing input on environmental law issues.
• Community educators skilled in providing the resources needed to allow Australians to understand the law and participate in legal processes to protect the environment.

We are committed to providing a workplace based on diversity, inclusion and flexibility. We are happy to discuss how we might structure this role flexibly to suit you.

A day in the life:

Under the direction of the Hobart Office’s Managing Lawyer you will play a key role in ensuring the effective and efficient management of the Hobart office, its advice and litigation files.

You will form part of the larger EDO National Administration Team which provides the administrative functions necessary to the general operations of the EDO and to support its staff, management and clients.

Your days will be varied but will include playing a frontline and reception role in the office, managing client enquiries and assisting with the office’s incoming and outgoing communications. You will triage enquiries, direct them to the relevant lawyer or part of the EDO, and maintain client records and database.

You will be responsible for all arrangements in the office, under the direction of the Managing Lawyer. You will manage office supplies and contracts, staff training, reconcile credit cards and manage the office space and work health and safety. You will be the connection point with the National Administration Team and ensure the Hobart office is implementing national policies and procedures.

You are:

• An experienced legal administrator looking to step up to an office manager role.
• You know what’s needed to manage an office and legal files effectively and efficiently, including database management and reporting. You are familiar with court processes, legal document management and the assembly of legal briefs. You are comfortable liaising with clients, barristers and other parties.
• You are a motivated self-starter and take the initiative to get things done. You are familiar with office management responsibilities and have the skills and drive needed to develop and implement the procedures needed to run an office. You are perceptive and diplomatic; you know when to step in and when to step back.
• Flexible and willing to help where required. As a community legal centre we all pitch in. Whether it’s preparing for a CLE clinic, taking meeting minutes, booking our travel or helping with fundraising, your day-to-day will vary depending on the office’s demands at the time.
• A great communicator and people person. We have a close-knit team committed to delivering outcomes for our clients and the environment in the public interest; you re going to be a big part of it.
• You are able to help leverage our substantial volunteer program through oversight of legal volunteers.
• Excited about the opportunity to play a key role in the provision of public interest environmental law in Australia

The contract:

This is a part-time position (0.6FTE or 22.5 hours per week). Salary is dependent upon experience.

This position would suit someone looking for a flexible working arrangement. To assist in the smooth operation of our Hobart office, our preference is that you spread the hours across 5 days, for instance, 9am-1:30pm Monday to Friday. We are a flexible workplace and what best suits you is open to discussion.

A position description is attached.