The New South Wales Bar Association is the peak body representing barristers in NSW. The Bar Association advocates for members and is responsible for the maintenance of standards within the Bar; manages admission to the Bar, continuing professional development and, under delegated authority, investigates conduct matters involving complaints against barristers. The Bar Association also takes a leading role in promoting the rule of law and the proper administration of justice. In that role the Bar Association comments on a range of areas of law reform and liaises with the judiciary, government, the media and other stakeholders. It also runs its own Legal Assistance Referral Scheme.

The Association’s Legal Assistance Referral Scheme

The Legal Assistance Referral Scheme (LARS) is the New South Wales Bar Association’s legal assistance scheme which aims to assist disadvantaged members of the community by arranging referrals to barristers for legal advice and assistance on a pro bono or reduced fee basis.

The Scheme has been operating for twenty five (25) years and relies on the goodwill of barristers to assist on a voluntary basis in matters in all federal and state courts and tribunals. The scheme is not a substitute for Legal Aid. The role would involve the day to day management of LARS and also oversee the operation of the Duty Barrister Schemes at the Downing Centre and John Madison Tower. There would be the opportunity to brief barristers and appear as the solicitor on the record in some matters, either at an interlocutory level or if appropriate, hearing level.

Responsibilities

1. Promote, manage and service the Association’s Legal Assistance Referral Scheme and Duty Barrister Scheme
2. Develop and maintain effective systems to manage and monitor all legal assistance matters undertaken
3. Actively support the scheme and its benefits within the Bar, legal community, MPs, and the wider public community, including participation in relevant inter-agency forums
4. Maintain an effective network of persons willing to provide legal assistance
5. Manage the finances and budget from funding provided from the Public Purpose Fund
6. Prepare the annual funding submission to the Public Purpose Fund
7. Prepare LARS contribution to the Association’s Annual Report which also serves as the annual report to the Public Purpose Fund
8. Supervise and develop other LARS staff through on-the-job training and attendance at appropriate external courses
9. Oversee the day-to-day running of the Duty Barrister Scheme, which includes compilation of the roster, updating practice manuals, checking on attendance, and providing administrative support to the Convenor of the Duty Barrister Scheme
10. Promoting participation in LARS and Duty Barrister Schemes by speaking at the twice-yearly Bar Practice Course being undertaken by those who are coming to the Bar
11. Oversee the operation of the following specific court and tribunal referral schemes: the Supreme Court referral scheme, the Family Court Full Bench Panel; the NCAT Equal Opportunity Division referral scheme and the Justice for Refugees scheme
12. Be responsible for provision of the list of barristers who have volunteered their services to the various court appointed legal assistance schemes as a result of the President’s annual request for assistance to all members of the bar
13. Brief barristers in suitable matters under LARS or matters which have been referred for legal assistance by Courts and Tribunals
14. Appear as the solicitor on the record in suitable matters involving interlocutory proceedings or, where appropriate, hearings
15. Liaise with other legal assistance providers, such as the Law Society, Legal Aid, Justice Connect and Law Access, both in relation to day to day matters and speaking at relevant seminars if asked to do so

Qualifications and Skills Required

The Manager, Legal Assistance must:

• Be an experienced solicitor with a current NSW practising certificate
• Have experience and skill in developing relationships and managing internal and external stakeholders
• Have the ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Be able to prioritise and coordinate a complex role
• Have high level organisational skills and attention to detail
• Be able to display empathy and cultural competency
• Have excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills

A background in the social justice sector is also desirable.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.