• Full-time
• 2 x positions available – 1 in Perth, WA and 1 in Sydney, NSW
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Identified positions

ABOUT THE NATIONAL JUSTICE PROJECT:

The National Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit legal service. We use the law to fight systemic discrimination and we advance human rights by representing and giving voice to the vulnerable who would otherwise be unable to retain representation.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The NJP is offering two fixed-term paid training opportunities for lawyers/soon-to-be lawyers who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to join our team. Each lawyer will be offered a 12 month contract, with one lawyer to be based in Sydney, NSW and one to be based in Perth, WA. Some travel is likely to be required for both candidates, in particular the Perth candidate will visit Sydney for the purpose of training, and both may be required to travel to regional areas as part of their work. Evidenced caring and ability limitations on travel will be accommodated.

Applicants in Perth, WA should also be advised that the position in Perth will not be housed within the NJP offices but within a partner organisation, and that some training at the commencement of the role will take place within partner organisations for the purposes of the traineeship aspect of the role.

In this role, you will gain experience in direct legal casework, strategic litigation and client advice relating to a variety of human rights issues.

Under our supervision you will:

• Liaise with clients and our partners
• Provide high quality advice, assistance and casework service provide to the clients of the NJP
• Undertake all related administrative and case management activities
• Maintain an effective and ethical legal practice
• Be involved in a wide range of legal and policy issues and cases within our practice
• Comply with NJP/legislative requirements and practice management standards

Please note: there may be outreach work undertake/required in regional communities.

ABOUT YOU:

The successful applicants will be bright, hardworking junior lawyers or law graduates who are about to gain admission to practice. You will be comfortable working with confronting subject matter, trauma and at-times highly distressed clients.

Applicants must be eligible to practice in NSW or WA and must either have a current practicing certificate or be able to attain a practicing certificate within the first three months of the commencement of their role. Applicants should indicate their preference regarding location (Sydney or Perth) as they are not interchangeable.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

In your application, please respond to the below selection criteria, with reference to the Job Description:

• A current practising certificate or eligibility to hold one within three months of commencement
• A passion for human rights and social justice, in particular in relation to Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander people and refugees/asylum seekers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• An ability to manage multiple competing priorities under tight deadlines
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills
• Experience working both independently with minimal supervision and as a part of a team
• Experience working with vulnerable clients highly regarded
• An understanding of culturally safe and trauma informed practice
• Experience working in a legal office is highly regarded

A position description is attached.