About Us

Mills Oakley is a leading national law firm with a proud history spanning over 150 years. In that time, we’ve grown into a Top 10 Australian law firm by size while remaining true to our shared vision of exceptional client service with a friendly and collaborative ethos. Mutual trust and respect are at the heart of everything we do.

In 2021, Mills Oakley launched its philanthropic initiative, Everyday Justice. Everyday Justice is a charitable community legal service owned by Mills Oakley that provides free legal services nationally to the ‘missing middle’ - people who require legal assistance but cannot obtain Legal Aid or access the legal system without incurring substantial financial hardship. Its highest areas of demand are employment law, discrimination, tenancy, credit & debt and wills and estates. Mills Oakley lawyers can assist the Everyday Justice team with its pro bono legal work and receive up to 30 minutes of budget relief per day.

The Role

A rare opportunity has arisen for a motivated social justice lawyer with 2-3 years Post Qualification Experience to join Mills Oakley’s National Pro Bono team as a permanent, full time Lawyer. The chosen candidate will have a dual role – 4 days a week the candidate will be seconded to Everyday Justice, providing legal advice and representation to eligible clients and 1 day a week the candidate will help coordinate Mills Oakley’s internal pro bono program.

The ideal candidate will work closely with Mills Oakley’s Head of Pro Bono / Seconded Principal Solicitor of Everyday Justice to provide top-quality, efficient and professional advice and representation to vulnerable members of the community in a wide range of practice areas, predominately over video or teleconferencing platforms. The ideal candidate will also help source and scope pro bono matters suitable for Mills Oakley lawyers, help track and report on the firm’s pro bono performance, promote pro bono across the firm and engage with external stakeholders in the pro bono sector.

The role will be fast-paced, dynamic and varied. It will involve individual client work in a wide range of practice areas, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need of free legal services.

The role is open to candidates in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra or Adelaide.

Who We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:

• Hold an unrestricted legal practising certificate or be shortly eligible to obtain one;
• Between 2-3 years’ Post Qualification Experience;
• Legal experience in at least two of Everyday Justice’s main practice areas (as outlined in the job description above);
• Strong attention to detail, administrative and organisational skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and client interaction skills;
• Strong experience working independently and as part of a team;
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to social justice;
• Demonstrated experience working with people who are disadvantaged and marginalised;
• Confidence to develop and maintain relationships with a broad range of stakeholders in the social justice sector;
• Strong interest in legal innovation and the use of ‘legal tech’ to improve access to justice; and
• Availability to commence in mid to late March 2024.

What We Offer

We take a collaborative approach to your learning & development, giving you the personal attention and unique opportunities required to help you realise your full potential. We are committed to your health and well-being and offer a multitude of employee benefits including:

• Discounts to gyms and studios across Australia;
• Study and exam leave;
• Discounted health insurance;
• Employee Assistance Program; and
• Other amazing perks!

Apply

Early applications are strongly encouraged as each application will be assessed as it is received. All applications must include a CV and Cover Letter that outlines the applicant’s experience in Everyday Justice’s key practice areas, addressed to Men Nguyen, Talent Acquisition Lead and submitted online via Mills Oakley’s Careers page.