the organisation

WEstjustice is a leading community legal centre providing free services to people experiencing vulnerability. From our offices in Footscray, Werribee and Sunshine and through our outreach services we provide advice on a broad range of issues including employment, discrimination, consumer disputes, tenancy, credit and debt, family disputes, family violence, criminal law and more.

WEstjustice believes in a just and fair society where the law and its processes do not discriminate against people. We also provide free legal education, undertake law reform activities and work in partnership with their local communities to deliver projects that improve access to justice.

Our purpose is to service the legal needs in the West in a way that addresses the systemic nature of disadvantage. 

Benefits & Culture

• Competitive salary with salary packaging
• Up to 5 hours study leave per week
• Flexible working conditions
• Passionate, professional and dedicated team
• Focus on career development
• Sunshine-based location 

about the role

Would you like to work for a courageous organisation that continuously strives to respect its people, advocating on behalf of Melbourne’s western suburbs youth and making a real impact? Then we may have a lawyer or senior lawyer role that may be ideal for you!

This exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Lawyer or Senior Lawyer (dependent on experience). The role will provide in reach and outreach criminal and civil legal services to children and young people aged 10-25 in diverse settings including at youth service hubs, residential care homes and schools.

The legal work includes advice, case work, in court advocacy and developing and delivering community legal education. You will also contribute to law and policy reform activity and the achievement of our strategic advocacy priorities that aspire for excellent legal and life outcomes. 

This role will be based at our Sunshine office and from time to time, travelling across our other offices in the Western suburbs (Footscray and Werribee) and outreach sites (as required). This role will report to the Youth Law Program Manager/s.

Our ideal candidate is admitted to practice law; have demonstrated criminal and/or civil law practice experience; an ability to engage and communicate effectively with children and young people, many of whom have experienced childhood disadvantage, discrimination and trauma. The ideal candidate will also enjoy and have a demonstrated ability to engage with diverse audiences ranging from young people, sector colleagues and supports.

Remuneration:

For more information about WEstjustice, please visit our website (www.westjustice.org.au)

If you have any questions in relation to the role, please contact our office on 9749 7720 and ask to speak to Anoushka Jeronimus, Director Youth Law.

Late applications will not be considered.

The successful applicant will require a current Working with Children’s Check and a Police Check or be prepared to apply for both.

Due to the role involving outreach, it is preferred that the applicant has access to their own vehicle. 

Applicants must possess the right to work in Australia.

A position description is attached.

WEstjustice is committed to building a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTIQ people.