Solicitor

Human Rights Law Program
The Human Rights Law Program (HRLP) is the ASRC’s independent, not for profit Community Legal Centre. We provide free, expert legal advice and representation in relation to protection applications to asylum seekers who are at risk of persecution and human rights abuses in their home country.

The HRLP does not receive any federal government funding and works with a large team of volunteers to deliver holistic and innovative legal services. We also engage in community legal education, law reform, sector capacity building and advocacy.

Solicitor
The HRLP is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced solicitor to join the team to contribute to the provision of high quality legal services to asylum seekers.

The Solicitor is primarily responsible for conducting refugee law advice and casework, supervising a team of volunteers, and regularly participate in and supervise one of the ASRC’s legal clinics. The work at ASRC is varied and a significant degree of flexibility is required.

This role provides a unique opportunity not only to contribute to the provision of high quality legal services to people seeking asylum but to also play a part in training and developing the next generation of human rights lawyers in Australia. You will have the chance to work in a team of 10 incredibly committed staff and over 200 volunteers on one of the most contentious and complex human rights issues in Australia.

Key Responsibilities
• Refugee law practice including provision of advice, limited assistance and full representation casework to clients at all stages of the refugee determination process.
• Preparation for and attendance at Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Administrative Appeals Tribunal and court hearings with clients
• Full and limited assistance file management, ensuring files are managed in accordance with HRLP program policies and procedures
• Supervision and management of a team of volunteers including paralegals and casework volunteers
• Work with the internal ASRC programs to provide clients with support and advice around casework, health, departure and compliance issues
• Undertake rostered duties, such as phone advice and duty lawyer services as required

Accountability
The Solicitor is accountable to the Principal Solicitor for the fulfillment of requirements outlined in this job description. As is the case with all staff (paid and unpaid), ultimate accountability is to the ASRC CEO and Board.

Location
This role will be located at the ASRC Head Office in Footscray.

Hours of work
The position is a full-time, 5 day per week position.

Key Selection Criteria
Essential:
• Solicitor with current legal practicing certificate and migration agent registration (or eligibility to obtain registration)
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in refugee law and practice
• Demonstrated competence in advocacy before administrative decision makers and courts
• Exceptional time management skills and demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks in an under-resourced environment
• Ability to train, develop and supervise students and/or volunteers
• Willingness to undertake work offsite in places such as immigration detention centres and partner law firms

Desirable:
• Experience working within a community legal centre
• Experience in working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of social justice
• Current driver’s license

Salary & conditions
This position is offered as a full-time position, at Level 5 of the SCHADS Award. It is 12 month, fixed-term maternity leave replacement.
The ASRC offers an exceptional salary package equating to around $75K per annum, with a base of $70,187, up to $15,899 per annum salary packaged, plus employer’s superannuation contribution and annual leave loading. Employment entitlements and benefits also include:
• Additional Meals and Entertainment Salary Packaging
• 1 Rostered Day Off every month
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading per annum
• 2 additional weeks paid bonus leave at Christmas (at times determined by the ASRC)
• Generous personal & compassionate leave
• 12 weeks paid parental leave (after 12 months service)
• Free lunch daily
• Car and bicycle parking available
• Professional Development

All forms of employment with ASRC, paid or voluntary are subject to continued compliance with our Child Safety and Reporting Policy. All or any breaches to this policy may result in disciplinary action being taken and/or the cessation of the employment contract or volunteer agreements.
All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.