Organisation : Justice Connect
Location : Sydney
Work type : Contract/Temporary
Sector : Law, Justice & Human Rights
Salary type : Annual Package
Application closing date : 27 Jul, 2020
About the organisation
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join one of Australia’s most successful public interest and social justice organisations. Justice Connect is a not-for-profit organisation with a vision of a fair and strong community in which people have a fair chance at a better life, the community sector is strong and vibrant and the legal/justice and non-legal social systems are fairer and better.
At Justice Connect, we believe everyone deserves a fair chance at a better life. Too often, our legal system is complicated, expensive and inaccessible. And when the system doesn’t work for everyone, it works for no one. It holds our community back. That’s why we use the law to help people and community groups left behind by an unfair and complicated legal system. Whether it’s a single mother facing homelessness, a local community group struggling with overwhelming regulation or an older person dealing with family violence, real-life problems so often have legal solutions. That’s why we connect people with legal help. We use the power of the law to open up the legal system for those locked out of it, and to change the system where it is broken.
The key to our impact is the passionate commitment of our people. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, driven by a desire to deliver real improvements in the lives of the people and communities we help.
Not-for-profit Law is Justice Connect’s specialist program for community organisations and social enterprises – the only service of its kind in Australia. Not-for-profit Law provides practical legal help (advice, training, online resources) and advocates for improved standards and legal frameworks for the Australian not-for-profit sector. We also run a certified legal training social enterprise and provide a dedicated service for Local Aboriginal Land Councils in NSW.
About the role
Role purpose:
As a Senior Lawyer in the Not-for-profit Law team’s Local Aboriginal Land Council Service, this position will play a vital role in delivering tailored legal advice, information and training to the network of 120 Local Aboriginal Land Councils across NSW.
Key Responsibilities:
- Working autonomously to provide legal services to Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) including:
- triaging enquiries from LALCs (including assessment of matters eligible for pro bono assistance)
- providing legal advice and information to LALCs
- facilitating referrals to Justice Connect member firms and barristers
- monitoring referrals and supporting member firms and barristers to assist LALCs
- Developing and delivering legal training for LALCs (face-to-face and by webinar), including face-to-face in regional areas
- Contributing to the creation and improvement of online information and self-help tools to build the legal capacity of LALCs
- Undertaking research and analysis of the LALC network and its legal and related needs, with a view to identifying and furthering opportunities for improved service provision and undertaking advocacy and law reform activities to address systemic issues for LALCs and their constituents, in consultation with stakeholders where required. This may include liaising with Aboriginal community members and organisations in relation to opportunities for new service provision and partnerships via other programs of Justice Connect.
- Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council and the LALC network in particular, and a range of other key stakeholders including Justice Connect member firms, current and potential funders, and policy makers
- Supervising and mentoring a part-time LALC Lawyer and Paralegal
- Leading and motivating staff and volunteers to achieve a high standard of work
- Working with the Principal Lawyer to ensure compliance with high professional standards of service delivery including professional indemnity insurance and community legal centre accreditation obligations
- Contributing to law reform and advocacy activities of Not-for-profit Law and Justice Connect
- Contributing to Justice Connect’s Reconciliation Action Plan activities
- Assisting with governance, reporting and evaluation requirements of the LALC Service, Not-for-profit Law and Justice Connect and contributing to organisation-wide projects
- Performing other duties as directed and necessary to the proper performance of the role
Selection Criteria:
Please view the attached PDF for information regarding the selection criteria.
Employee Benefits:
Justice Connect offers employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax-free), flexible working arrangements, above award annual leave provisions and opportunities for professional development. Justice Connect is an organisation that strives to show leadership, operate sustainably and demonstrate our effectiveness. You will be rewarded with a workplace culture that is professional, committed, collaborative and creative and where you can make a real difference through your work.
How to apply
Applications not allowed for this job listing.
Please quote in application: Senior Lawyer – Local Aboriginal Land Council Service, NFP Law via Pro Bono Australia.
Sector: #Law_Justice_and_Human_Rights
