Fitzroy Legal Service (FLS) is dedicated to assisting the most marginalised members of the community with legal information, advice and representation, as well as championing law reform and conducting public interest litigation.

Fitzroy Legal Service provides legal services for communities who are disproportionately impacted by law and policy, and those who face systemic barriers to accessing justice. We provide various multidisciplinary outreach programs reaching communities of colour, people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, LGBTIQA+ communities and people who use drugs.

Our vision: A fairer Victorian community, where the legal and social systems support equality and justice for all.

Further information about FLS can be found on our website: fls.org.au.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Trainee Lawyer will assist legal staff in providing advice, advocacy and casework services to clients. This is undertaken under the supervision of the Principal Lawyers and with appropriate training provided to allow the Trainee Lawyer to complete their requirements for admission to the Council of Legal Education Board of Examiners. Unless otherwise negotiated or not required, this will involve undertaking the College of Law Practical Legal Training program, with time off provided to enable course work to be completed.

The Trainee Lawyer will provide support to legal staff by drafting correspondence, taking instructions from clients, preparing briefs and general management of casework files. The Trainee Lawyer will spend time at both our Fitzroy and Reservoir offices as well as the Neighbourhood Justice Centre, and will also be involved in community development, education, policy, strategic litigation and law reform work. LGBTIQA+ identifying Trainees may also spend time at our Pride Centre office.

Like all Fitzroy Legal Service employees, the Trainee Lawyer is expected to support and promote organisational values and objectives. This position is generously funded by Allens.

TIMELINES

The position will commence in or around March 2025.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• 5 weeks annual leave, 17.5% leave loading plus paid leave over the Christmas shutdown period.
• Above-award salary and the ability to increase your take-home pay by accessing salary packaging benefits (use this link to see how much this benefit could mean to you).
• A range of leave options, including 16 weeks parental leave for primary carers, gender affirmation leave, cultural and ceremonial leave, the ability to swap public holidays as well as purchase additional leave.

For more information about this position, please contact Amy Frew, Director of Legal Practice, [email protected], using the subject line: Trainee Lawyer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.

Fitzroy Legal Service is an inclusive employer and complies with the laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, race, sex, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, family responsibilities, irrelevant criminal record and other protected attributes. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from members of diverse communities and people with relevant lived experience.

To be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work permit or visa.

The successful candidate must undergo a National Police Check.

NOTE: Disclosure of a criminal record does not necessarily preclude employment with FLS, but if needed, we invite applicants to address this issue early in the application phase. Should a criminal record disclosure be advised by a candidate, FLS will endeavour to provide clarity over whether the conviction would preclude a candidate from being able to carry out the position duties.