Russell Kennedy has developed a sector-leading Pro Bono practice, with particular expertise in Refugee and Migration Justice across primary, merits and judicial review stages and in complex and strategic cases. Alongside this work, we also prioritise First Nations and Climate Justice and undertake pro bono work in areas of specialty across the firm. We use our expertise and platform to deliver impactful and strategic outcomes, empowering the communities we serve to obtain justice and dignity, and building knowledge, legal expertise and community across the firm and sector.

The successful applicant will join a close-knit, highly regarded team of dedicated pro bono lawyers, committed to furthering access to justice for the most vulnerable in our community.

We are looking for a dedicated Lawyer with 2–3 years’ experience post-admission and a demonstrated interest in refugee or administrative law. The role offers a mix of direct client work, mentoring and supervision of pro bono contributors across the firm, and the opportunity to participate in policy and advocacy efforts to further the interests of our most disadvantaged clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Acting for refugees and people seeking asylum at the primary stage, in merits review at the Administrative Review Tribunal, in judicial review across Australia’s federal courts, and in complex cases including relating to immigration detention.
• Developing and delivering high-impact projects across our priority areas, including through participation in community legal centre secondments, supervision of legal clinics, collaboration with our partner organisations, and the development of resources and delivery of education.
• Triaging referrals and providing supervision and strategic advice to lawyers performing pro bono work across the firm.
• Liaising with our community partners and referral bodies.
• Contributing to relevant sector-wide working groups and consortiums on policy, advocacy and strategic litigation matters.
• Supporting development of the pro bono program including through planning and strategy work.

Skills / Knowledge

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including working with vulnerable clients and clients experiencing mental illness.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legal principles, and commitment to keeping up to date with developments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, including ability to recognise and resolve complex technical and practical problems.
• Exceptional organisational skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Excellent literacy and drafting skills.

Applications for this role will close at 5pm on the closing date.

Please submit your application via the Careers page on the RK website by clicking the 'Apply Now' button.