• $120,000 full time or pro rata if part-time (including superannuation)
• 2-year fixed term contract with possible extension

ABOUT THE ANIMAL LAW INSTITUTE (ALI)

ALI is a national non-profit community legal centre that is dedicated to protecting animals and advocating for their interests through the Australian legal system. ALI is also a public company limited by guarantee and a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

ALI’s vision is to create a just world for animals. The suffering and exploitation of millions of animals is legal in Australia. It happens every day because of cruel, inadequate and inconsistent laws. We fight to change this.

Our mission is to be a voice for animals by:

• using the legal system to challenge the current treatment of animals;
• partnering with animal advocates by providing free legal advice and representation in court; and
• empowering the community to use the legal system to create change for animals.

We carry out our mission by:

• giving free legal advice to animal advocates each year;
• representing animals’ interests in court in strategic legal cases; and
• committing to a progressive law reform agenda that aims to stop animal cruelty.

ALI is a predominantly volunteer-run organisation with volunteers across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Our new principal lawyer will help manage our anti-puppy farm clinic, advise leading animal protection organisations and identify and have carriage of litigation opportunities that have strategic benefit for the animal protection movement. Amongst many other responsibilities, they will provide direct legal advice to clients, appear before courts and tribunals, facilitate referrals to barristers, and oversee other volunteer lawyers, paralegals and university students.

This is a 24-month role with possibility for extension based on future funding. The role is full-time but we will accept a part-time role for the right candidate.

Our ideal candidate is an Australian lawyer admitted to practice in Victoria, with a principal practicing certificate or the ability to obtain one. They have a strong commitment to social justice and have demonstrated litigation experience including the capacity to independently supervise and have carriage of legal proceedings. They can work autonomously and are highly self motivated.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage an anti-puppy farm clinic to:
  • Provide advice to clients who have purchased a companion animal and subsequently find the animal has underlying health issues that were not disclosed at the time of sale
  • Identify cases that provide opportunity for strategic litigation
• Advise leading animal protection groups on matters of strategic importance to the animal protection movement, including on opportunities for strategic litigation
• Have carriage of strategic litigation matters including appearing before courts or tribunals, or (where appropriate) briefing counsel
• Supervise the work of volunteer lawyers, paralegals and university students
• Be responsible for the governance and strategic coordination of the ALI practice including in relation to operational planning
• Ensure compliance with high professional standards of service delivery including professional indemnity insurance and community legal centre accreditation obligations
• Assist with governance, reporting, administration and evaluation requirements of ALI
• Assist the Board execute social media strategy
• Represent ALI in the media as required an in agreement with the Board
• Participate in and support ALI applications for funding including responsibility for the acquittal of grants tied to the delivery of services
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including leading animal protection groups in Australia
• Other relevant work as reasonably directed by the Board
• Upholding ALI’s animal-centric ethics and values
• It is expected that you will be largely self-directed in the carrying out of day-to-day duties of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• An admitted Australian Lawyer
• The holder of a Victorian principal practising certificate (or be eligible to apply for one)
• Demonstrated litigation experience including the capacity to independently supervise and have carriage of legal proceedings
• Practice management experience
• A strong understanding of competition and consumer law or administrative law preferred
• The ability to think strategically and creatively about how we achieve systemic change for animals
• Strong commitment to social justice, ideally with experience in animal law and/or animal protection issues
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on consideration of different views
• Demonstrated ability to drive program development; strong initiative and self-motivation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to give accurate and practical legal information and advice
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively in a team environment
• Understanding of and commitment to ALI's Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan

Please note that if ALI receives applications from strong candidates ahead of the closing date, the position may be filled. We therefore encourage you to apply sooner than the closing date.

A position description is attached.