• Work alongside Victorians experiencing disadvantage to help them access legal assistance in relation to family violence
• Extensive capacity building program provided as part of the role
• A number of full-time positions available, with our partner community legal centres
• Applicants to commence employment 27th May 2024
• Full-time / Fixed term to 31 December 2025

Women’s Legal Service Victoria (Women’s Legal) has partnered with community legal centres across the state to deliver our Emerging Lawyer Program which will improve access to justice for victim-survivors of family violence.

The program is available to newly admitted lawyers, with less than 12 months practising experience.

Our partner community legal centres are equal opportunity employers. We recognise our work benefits greatly from the unique knowledge, skills and expertise of individuals with diverse experiences, including those with lived experience of family violence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those with disability, from migrant, refugee or non-English speaking backgrounds and gender diverse/ LGBTQIA+. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply.

About the Emerging Lawyer Program

Graduate lawyers will have the opportunity to work with experienced community lawyers who work in family violence and family law. Across 18 months, lawyers will undertake specialist training in Melbourne, online and in regional areas, alongside other lawyers, who like them are committed to gender equity.

Positions available with partner Community Legal Centres

• Mallee Family Care Community Legal Centre (Mildura)
• Emma House - The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (Warrnambool)
• Goulburn Valley Community Legal Centre (Arc Justice) (Shepparton)
• Hume Riverina Community Legal Service (Wodonga)
• Gippsland Community Legal Service (Morwell)
• Youth Law (Carlton)
• In Touch Women's Legal Centre (East Melbourne)
• South East Monash Legal Service (Springvale)
• Djirra (Melton)
• Northern Community Legal Centre (Broadmeadows)
• Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre (St Albans)
• Eastern Community Legal Centre (Box Hill and Boronia)

Information about all of our partner community legal centres can be found on our website. Visit womenslegal.org.au/emerging-lawyers-program to find out more.

About You

• You will have an understanding of community legal centres, and the issues that affect our clients;
• Be able to sensitively communicate with a diverse range of people whilst having understanding and empathy for their complex needs;
• Have a strong academic record, with a demonstrated interest in the legal issues affecting our clients; and
• Ability to travel (where required) for training and other activities as part of the program.

How to Apply

Complete the application form linked on our website, via the Apply Now link.

Please note we cannot accept applications for the program via email.

If you have any questions regarding the Emerging Lawyer Program, or your suitability – please email [email protected], using the subject line: Graduate Lawyer - Emerging Lawyers Program - Multiple Locations enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Interviews will be held between Monday 15th April – Wednesday 24th April, applicants will need to be available during this time to be considered for the program.