About SMLS

Established in 1973, South-East Monash Legal Service (SMLS) is a community legal centre that provides free legal assistance to people in Southeast Melbourne. SMLS provides legal information, advice and case work including representation for people experiencing disadvantage on a range of legal matters, such as family law and family violence, employment law, debt and fines, civil litigation, wills, power of attorney, and tenancy.

SMLS aims to empower and support members of the community to understand and make use of the law and the legal system to protect their rights and to increase their awareness of their legal responsibilities. SMLS is a strong advocate of and committed to the use of integrated service models to address multifaceted challenges facing our community members.

SMLS is committed to advocacy and social change. SMLS is a leader in the provision of community and clinical legal education; advocacy through policy submissions and lobbying; outreach services; and targeted referral programs.

Our Vision 

A fair and inclusive community where people can access the resources, networks and support they need to resolve legal issues and overcome barriers to social, cultural and economic inclusion and participation

Our Purpose

To help resolve people’s legal and interconnected issues and ensure that laws and legal processes are fair.

Our Values

Our core values are Respect, Community, Excellence and Courage.

POSITION PURPOSE

In this role, the lawyer will provide legal assistance to clients in matters falling within the programs and strategic priorities of our generalist practice areas (e.g. NDIS, tenancy, debt) as well as our family violence program. The role will involve working across a number of jurisdictions including the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Magistrates Court and the AAT. This role will contribute to emerging work on the intersection of climate and legal issues.

Our approach is client focused, trauma informed and holistic.

We welcome and support a practitioner who is willingly to grow and challenge your legal skills. You are interested to think critically about the impact of the law and embrace an integrated practice model.

You will learn, develop, and gain hands-on experience working within a social justice context. SMLS is committed to building strong and transferable skills in our lawyers.   

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Service Delivery

• Provide high quality legal advice across areas of practice
• Provide ongoing casework that is highly organised and of a standard of excellence
• Perform all necessary administrative work necessary to manage a busy file load, including accurate record-keeping in accordance with SMLS policies and procedures.
• Participate in strategic litigation and projects as directed by the Legal Practice Manager to address systemic legal disadvantage experienced by priority clients in our region.
• Prepare written reports on activities related to allocated responsibilities including the preparation of case studies and other materials for reporting and compliance purposes.
• Apply SMLS casework guidelines governing eligibility for on-going assistance, and the extent of that assistance.
• Carry out other duties, as consistent with the role

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Essential Selection Criteria

• Eligibility to hold an unrestricted Victorian legal practicing certificate with a minimum one year post admission experience
• Provide legal information, advice, representation, and casework services to clients,
• Excellent legal research and analysis skills 
• Maintain appropriate file management system including highly competent digital interface skills
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and build mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders 

Desirable Selection Criteria

• Experience providing legal services to client impacted by family violence. Experience and/or interest in tribunal or court representation

For more detailed information please see the attached Position Description.

Any further questions can be directed to [email protected], using the subject line: Generalist & Family Violence Lawyer via EthicalJobs.