Work with us - South-East Monash Legal Service

Work with

Manager of Civil and Climate Justice

Manager of Civil and Climate Justice

Overview of Programs:

Working Women’s Centre

This is a newly launched program in partnership with Northern CLC, Women’s Legal Service Victoria, and West Justice. The Working Women’s Centre Victoria is a non-government consortium offering free, confidential advice, information, support, and representation to women who work in Victoria about their workplace rights.

South Eastern Climate Justice

This program helps vulnerable communities in south-east Melbourne proactively address the emerging legal impacts of climate change, with a focus on identifying, preventing and mitigating the causes.

Advocacy Against Sexual Harassment (AASH)

The AASH program seeks to increase access to justice by offering free legal assistance in the south-east to low-income workers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. The program aims to empower and support workers to navigate the complex, multi jurisdictional and sensitive nature of sexual harassment and discrimination claims, including assistance with advocacy and litigation.

International Students Employment and Accommodation Legal Service (ISEALS)

ISEALS delivers free and confidential advice, casework and representation to international students in Victoria who have workplace or tenancy-related legal problems.

Position Responsibilities

Provide legal services including advice, case work, alternative dispute resolution and court appearances in SMLS priority civil practice areas
Provide strong management and workflow coordination to build a highly skilled, service focused, proactive, effective and reliable legal team
Develop and implement processes, policies and tools to ensure legal services of excellence
Management and coordination of systems and activities of the team (e.g. outreach, professional development planning, monitoring probation/records/planning, etc.)
Drive the contribution to policy and law reform by the civil and employment team and contribute to advocacy initiatives on climate and climate justice issues
Oversee specific programs resourced to provide support in civil practice areas, including reporting requirements
Contribute to organisational leadership through participation in the SMLS Leadership Team
Drive strategic litigation and projects to address systemic legal disadvantage experienced by priority clients in our region
Draft reports, legislative directories, guides, case law summaries and legal analysis for publication

Position Requirements

Essential Selection Criteria

Eligible to hold a Principal Practicing Certificate or complete necessary course in Victoria
Minimum 5 years post admission practice including complex case management experience in civil practice and litigation (at least 2 years practice in employment law).
Experience managing a team including mentoring junior lawyers in civil practice areas.
Experience in program management, including demonstrated ability to plan, prioritise, meet deadlines and drive project outcomes.
Experience leading civil litigation, including the ability to approach legal issues creatively
A demonstrated interest and/or commitment to climate justice
Proven ability to contribute to a cohesive team environment by sharing information, supporting team priorities and ensuring open communication.
Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and build mutually beneficial relationships.
High level analytical skills and problem-solving ability, as well as initiative and a proactive approach.
Advanced computer skills

Desirable

Experience working in an organisation committed to social justice.
Experience in law reform monitoring and policy development
Stakeholder engagement experience

What SMLS offers

 5 weeks annual leave
Extra days off over Christmas and New Years
Paid above award
Cultural and ceremonial leave
Family violence leave
Gender affirmation leave
Professional development
A culture of mentorship and opportunities for career progression

See the attached Position Description here for more information.

Any further questions can be directed to lily.mcauliffe@smls.com.au

Apply here

Deadline: 4 December 11:59pm

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Community Lawyer

Position Purpose

The Community Lawyer will provide information, advice and legal assistance to clients in matters falling within SMLS’ Advocacy Against Sexual Harassment (AASH)

and Family Violence programs and strategic priorities of the Civil Law team. The Community Lawyer will negotiate with other parties and assist clients in mediation or conciliation; engage in appearance work; brief counsel where appropriate and assist senior lawyers in strategic litigation matters. The Community Lawyer will work collaboratively with social work students and financial counsellors in our integrated services program and contribute to SMLS’ policy and advocacy work. This role includes outreach programs.

This is great opportunity for a junior lawyer to learn, develop and gain hands-on experience. SMLS is committed to building strong and transferable skills in new and emerging lawyers.

SMLS is a well-established and highly regarded service, and this role will suit someone who has a passion for social justice and a strong desire to work within the community legal sector.

Position Responsibilities

Advocacy & Casework

Provide legal information, advice, referrals and undertake case work and represent clients with civil law matters, predominantly in sexual harassment in the workplace matters
Duty lawyering and early intervention in our family violence team
Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholder services;
Ensure that all casework files are maintained to the highest standards including appropriate levels of client contact, communication, professional documentation, record keeping;
Exercise a high level of interpersonal skills in dealing with the public and other organisations;
Maintain compliance with relevant professional and ethical standards including public indemnity insurance and legal practice.