The opportunity:

We are looking for a talented lawyer to join the EDO’s Southern and Central Queensland Practice Team within our Healthy Environment and Justice Program.

This role offers the opportunity to work on a broad range of environmental issues in Queensland, including cultural heritage, pollution, mining, biodiversity, climate change and human rights. The Southern and Central Queensland Practice focuses particularly on working with First Nations people and remote and regional communities on environmental justice issues. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is based in Brisbane, remote working options will be considered. The role will be offered as either a solicitor or senior solicitor, subject to experience. This is an ongoing position.

Candidate Profile:

You are looking for an opportunity to use your skillset and experience to work with the largest public interest environmental law centre in the region. Lawyers who think outside the box and want a chance to think creatively about delivering systemic change are strongly encouraged to apply.

You have 2+ years PAE, and strong post admission experience with demonstrated litigation experience. You have a strong commitment to human rights, the rights of First Nations and the environment and want an opportunity to make an impact for people vulnerable to environmental harm. You understand the multiple challenges of First Nations communities in seeking and achieving environmental justice and justice in protecting country.

With a focus in the HEJ Program on working with First Nations peoples, we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this role. We will consider applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island people with under 2+years PAE and/or applicants who have demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities or working on First Nations environmental and cultural justice issues.

EDO is a diverse and inclusive workplace with flexible working arrangements.

A Position Description is attached.

Perks:

• The chance to deliver positive environmental outcomes at the cutting edge of environmental law
• A flexible and family-friendly workplace, working from home options available
• Extra leave over the Christmas period
• 15 personal days per year
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.

Key selection criteria:

Core skills

• An unrestricted practicing certificate or entitlement to one in the relevant jurisdiction
• A minimum of 2 years PAE working as a solicitor including litigation, 3-5+ years PAE highly desirable. Less than 2 years PAE will be considered if you are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person and/or have demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities or working on First Nations environmental and cultural justice issues
• Demonstrated experience in administrative and/or environmental law and/or related disciplines, experience in the Queensland jurisdiction highly desirable
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound judgements and decisions based on consideration of different views
• Demonstrated ability to work productively and to deadlines
• Excellent oral and written communication skills suited to a range of audiences

Substantive experience

• Demonstrated litigation experience in administrative or environmental law and/or related disciplines
• Capacity to undertake law reform or policy, experience desirable
• Demonstrated experience working with First Nations people or diverse communities and individuals highly desirable

Personal qualities and cultural competency

• A champion of the EDO values
• Strong initiative and self-motivation
• Commitment to the protection of human rights and the environment
• A strong sense of ethics and understanding of professional obligations
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of First Nations and peoples from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations in both the delivery of our work and our internal culture
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment

About us:

The Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is the leading environmental law practice in the Australia Pacific Region delivering legal solutions for peoples, nature and our climate. We have a big vision which is a world where nature thrives. We’ve got big ambition about the role we can play in delivering that vision and we’ve got an incredible team across the country working to achieve it.

We are dedicated to protecting our climate, communities and shared environment by providing access to justice, running ground-breaking litigation and leading law reform advocacy. Over our 30-year combined history we’ve developed a formidable track record of empowering communities and delivering effective protection of the environment through legal services.

As the region’s legal experts in our field, we aim to be a brave, unified, and focused team, committed to inclusion and excellence in all that we do. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace supporting a highly skilled, engaged, and effective team, where everyone can feel that they belong.

For further information about the position contact Managing Lawyer, Southern and Central Queensland by email at [email protected] using the subject line: Solicitor / Senior Solicitor - Southern & Central Queensland enquiry via EthicalJobs.