The Redfern Legal Centre First Nations Cadetship program provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students with opportunities to gain valuable legal experience while undertaking their law degree. This program is generously supported by donors.

During their cadetship, students will work alongside Redfern Legal Centre solicitors, gaining practical legal experience and exposure to clients experiencing disadvantage.

Cadets will have an opportunity to work with three of RLC’s practice areas, choosing from Police Accountability, Tenancy, Employment, Credit & Debt, Financial Abuse, Health Justice and our International Student practice.

The cadet will receive:

• Practical training across a range of legal areas
• Experience in aspects of practice management: client intake and issues identification, ‘triage’, and managing a client caseload and court diary
• Skills development in legal research, writing and delivering legal advice
• Skills working with clients experiencing vulnerability, including trauma-informed practice
• Exposure to identifying strategic issues and opportunities for law reform arising from legal practice
• Structured mentoring and networking opportunities, and
• Access to training and other development opportunities, including attendance at courses and conferences.

The position will support cadets to develop the skills, experience and confidence to achieve their career aspirations in law. In addition to being mentored by highly skilled, passionate and creative lawyers, cadets will be provided with opportunities to learn about a range of career paths and provided with appropriate networking opportunities.

Cadets undertake 18 days of employment spread over a mutually agreed period. The position will offer a unique experience for professional development, and put cadets in a strong position to advance their career in the legal profession.

How to apply?

We are looking for applicants who:

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are accepted as such in the community
• Are enrolled in an LLB or equivalent course in an approved Australian tertiary institution for an undergraduate degree; a combined undergraduate degree; a post graduate degree; or an Honours/Masters year as part of an undergraduate degree
• Have a sound academic track record
• Have strong communication skills
• Have a commitment to social justice and working with vulnerable clients
• Can demonstrate initiative, adaptability and problem-solving skills.

Connections to the local Redfern community are desirable, but not essential.

To apply please send a resume and a cover letter addressing the above criteria to [email protected] by the close date.

RLC strives to create a culturally safe environment for our clients and staff. We are a proud supporter of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.