Make a Real Difference: Senior Lawyer Community Outreach

Are you a passionate lawyer with criminal law experience, looking to use your legal skills where they matter most?

Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL) is seeking a dedicated Senior Lawyer to join our team in North Melbourne and Kensington. This unique, role blends high-quality legal advocacy with grassroots community outreach. You will directly support some of Melbourne’s most marginalised communities access support to navigate the legal system.

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful Impact: Work with some of Melbourne’s most marginalised community members including public housing residents, young people, individuals who may be facing over-policing, mental health challenges, substance dependency and family violence.
• Competitive Remuneration: Salary range of $120,552 to $125,865 per annum (pro rata) depending on experience.
• Incredible Benefits: Generous tax-effective salary packaging up to $16,000, extensive leave entitlements, allowances, and flexible working arrangements.
• Dynamic Practice: Drive and contribute to systemic change through our signature programs, including the Police Accountability Project and Health Justice Partnerships.

About the Role

As a key member of the IMCL team, you will split your time between frontline legal work and strategic community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Holistic Casework & Advocacy: Provide advice across a range of criminal and civil law issues. Attend our clinics at locations across inner Melbourne providing legal education and support in one or more of IMCL’s practice areas of criminal law, civil law, tenancy, family violence, family law and fines.
• Court Advocacy: Represent clients in court, including participating in our duty lawyer service at the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
• Community Connection: Strengthen local partnerships and deliver community legal education initiatives.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Provide supervision to junior lawyers, paralegals, and volunteers.

About You

We are looking for an empathetic professional who thrives in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Key Selection Criteria

• Values-Driven: A strong commitment to social justice and the mission of IMCL.
• Legal Expertise: Proven experience delivering high-quality, client-focused legal services.
• Community Educator: Experience developing and delivering professional or community legal education.
• Collaborator: Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong Communicator: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
• Organised: Ability to work independently and manage a busy caseload under pressure.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of post-admission experience.
• Eligible for a Unrestricted Practising Certificate in Victoria.
• Current Victorian Working with Children Check (Employee).
• Desirable: Strong background in criminal law, family violence, community engagement and experience working with marginalised communities.

How to Apply

Ready to shape a fairer community?

Please submit your application via the "Apply Now" button.

Questions? For a confidential discussion, please reach out to Marlene Dixon (Director of Legal Practice) at [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Lawyer - Community Outreach enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Inclusion at IMCL

IMCL is committed to a diverse, inclusive workplace. We highly value lived experience. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, people from refugee and culturally diverse backgrounds, women, and people living with a disability.

A position description is attached.