An opportunity exists for a Lawyer to join our legal team in Melbourne and make a meaningful impact in the lives of migrant and refugee women experiencing family violence, as well as their families and communities.

This position will primarily practice in family law and family violence.

This is a Max term contract up to 30th June 2025

inTouch has a pending renewal of an Equal Opportunity Exemption (A123/2012) and requests applications from women only.

About inTouch

inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence (inTouch) is at the forefront of providing integrated and culturally responsive services to women from migrant and refugee communities experiencing family violence. For over 40 years, we've championed the cause of our clients, helping more than 30,000 women, children and families to thrive despite the challenges they've faced. Our approach is unique and effective, thanks to our inLanguage, inCulture delivery model and our team's profound and personal understanding of cultural sensitivities and the migration journey. With a refreshed Executive Team, we are inviting you to join us to make a greater impact for those affected by family violence and their communities.

inTouch is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to being an organisation that embraces a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion within our workforce and approach to service delivery. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic communities, people of all ages and LGBTIQ people.

About the role

This role will see you working in an integrated model of service delivery working with inTouch Case Managers and its Women’s Legal Centre to provide a holistic service to migrant and refugee women on their journey to safety.

You will conduct legal casework primarily in family law and family violence. There will be scope to practice in other practice areas including migration and victim’s of crime however this position will be situated within our family law program. Your work will include legal advice, family law litigation, liaising with case managers, stakeholder engagement and Health Justice Partnership engagement.

The successful candidate will be committed to social justice, be cultural competent with a genuine interest in seeking just outcomes for migrant and refugee women and their children experiencing a range of legal issues.

Key focus areas include:

Legal Advice & Casework

• You will conduct legal casework primarily in family law and family violence law. Your work will include legal advice, liaising with case managers, case work including litigation in family law and family violence.
• Ensure that legal services operate within the Women’s Legal Centre’s guidelines and integrated practice and in accordance with professional legal practice, including government and professional indemnity insurance requirements.
• Provide high quality legal advice and casework at inTouch head office and outposts as scheduled and/or required.
• Regularly communicate with the Case Management Team to keep the relevant Case Managers up to date to ensure successful implementation of the Women’s Legal Centre‘s operational model.
• Ensure relevant and appropriate records are maintained online Actionsteps management system in order to ensure we maintain client and practice file management systems.
• Provide reports such as file documents, file outcomes, summaries and correspondence letters as requested by Principal Lawyer.

Community Development & Partnerships

• Operate legal outposts and legal clinics as part of our Health Justice Partnership and other legal projects we run with partner organisations.
• Provide community legal education presentations and workshops to our stakeholders including migrant community organisations, legal centres and community health organisations so as to raise awareness of family violence within migrant communities.
• Represent the Centre in a variety of forums such as government run forums and consultation groups, legal consultations, community legal centres, Victoria legal aid trainings and consultations and other networking groups we are part of.

The benefits of working with us?

You'll be part of a mission-driven organisation that is making a tangible difference in the lives of women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, their families and their communities. inTouch offers a supportive, diverse and dynamic work environment, where innovation, passion and resilience are at the heart of what we do.

When you join inTouch, you can expect a range of benefits designed to foster your professional growth and ensure your overall wellbeing, including:

• A collaborative and nurturing team culture within a positive working environment, fostering mutual support, and continuous learning.
• Competitive salary plus packaging option.
• Hybrid - office / working from home model.
• 5 weeks Annual Leave.
• Incremental Personal /Carer leave based on tenure
• 20 days paid Family and Domestic Violence leave
• Ongoing training, career progression and professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible work arrangements and purchase leave opportunities

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

• A current Australian Practising Certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a Legal Practitioner without restriction.
• Demonstrated capacity to work as an advocate and case work preferably within the scope of the Women’s Legal Centre’s Program including family law and family violence law.
• Knowledge or practical experience within the scope of the Women’s Legal Centre’s Program with a focus on family law.
• Capacity to positively engage with key partner agencies and/or their workers, to appropriately manage referrals to and from those agencies and to promote the service within community settings.
• Ability to mentor and train staff and contribute to the development of individuals and their knowledge and skills within the scope of the Women’s Legal Centre’s Program.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and foster a cooperative and supportive team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in working with clients from diverse backgrounds in an emphatic and culturally competent manner.
• Demonstrated time management and organisational skills.

Desirable:

• Experience in working in a Community Legal Centre environment and are familiar with the NACLC risk management guidelines and cross check procedures.
• Understanding of family violence practice including MARAM.
• Knowledge of or spoken language other than English

Apply

inTouch has a pending renewal of an Equal Opportunity Exemption (A123/2012) and requests applications from women only.

If this sounds like the role for you then click on the 'Apply Now' button below.

Please note your application will not be considered unless you provide a cover letter responding to the key selection criteria (maximum 2 pages of text) and an updated Resume.

Reach out to [email protected] using the subject line: Lawyer enquiry via EthicalJobs if you require support to complete your application or adjustments based on your access needs.

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory background checks including a National Police Check (including an international police check if resided continuously in an overseas country for 12 months or more in the last ten years),Working with Children Check, Reference checks, proof of eligibility to work in Australia and qualification checks.

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory background checks including a National Police Check (including an international police check if resided continuously in an overseas country for 12 months or more in the last ten years),Working with Children Check, Reference checks, proof of eligibility to work in Australia and qualification checks.

A position description is attached.