RAILS is recruiting multiple solicitors to provide legal assistance in the area of immigration and refugee law to people who are financially disadvantaged and have compelling legal needs. Solicitors on both restricted and unrestricted practising certificates will be considered. 12 months full time (4-5 days per week) contracts with the possibility of extension.

ABOUT RAILS

The Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS) is a community legal centre based in South Brisbane. For over 40 years, RAILS has provided free legal assistance and education in immigration and refugee law to people in Queensland.

RAILS assists some of the most vulnerable people in our community, predominantly refugees, asylum seekers and people who have experienced family violence. RAILS strives to empower them and help them find and remain in safety.

RAILS is a member of Community Legal Centres Australia and is registered as a Charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for Profit Commission. RAILS genuinely values our staff and our workplace is ethical, supportive, positive and inclusive.

ABOUT THE POSITION

• Job Title: Solicitor
• Hours: Full-time preferred (4-5 days). 12 months contract with the possibility of extension.
• Salary: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award, Level 4 or 5. $82,000 - $ 98,000 plus additional 11.5% superannuation
• Responsible to: Senior Solicitor
• Direct reports: paralegals, legal volunteers, law students
• Work arrangements: in person from RAILS office in South Brisbane. WFH for part of the working week is an option

RAILS is expanding! We have multiple legal positions to join our legal and education team to provide advice, representation and legal education to financially disadvantaged, culturally and linguistically diverse people. Solicitors on both restricted and unrestricted practising certificates will be considered. Immigration law experience is preferred with in-depth knowledge and experience representing clients in the following areas highly desirable:

• Onshore protection (Department and Tribunal level);
• Family violence provisions in the Migration Regulations (Department and Tribunal level);
• Refugee Family Reunion applications and
• Judicial review of Migration and Refugee matters.

RAILS’ requires dedicated, flexible and positive professionals who enjoy providing high quality legal services to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers and who are able to effectively communicate with people who are culturally and linguistically diverse and who experience several layers of disadvantage.

The legal roles are of fundamental importance to the delivery of excellent legal services by RAILS and will contribute to positively changing clients’ lives.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

• An attractive remuneration package from $82000 up to $98000 (depending on experience post admission) with an additional 11.5% superannuation;
• Flexible working arrangements including the accrual of FLEX and TOIL;
• Generous leave entitlements (paid parental leave, cultural and special leave provisions; portable long service leave) including additional paid leave over end of year shut down; and
• Attractive no cost salary sacrifice options.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Holder of either a restricted or unrestricted practicing certificate in Queensland or ability to immediately gain registration.
• Be registered on the High Court’s Register of Practitioners.
• In-depth knowledge of immigration law and practice, with experience in protection visa work at the Department and Tribunal level. Additionally, experience working with clients relying on the family violence provisions and/ or judicial review of migration and refugee matters preferred.
• Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of clients.
• Ability to work within the casework guidelines of RAILS, the Australian solicitor conduct rules and manage a large caseload.
• Ability to supervise early career lawyers, paralegals, law student volunteers and university clinic students.
• Ability to work efficiently and as an effective team member.
• Understanding of issues facing culturally diverse communities and ability to work and communicate effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to, and understanding of, the principles social justice and the role of a community legal centre within a social justice framework.

Successful applicants may be required to complete additional clearance checks.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

RAILS is committed to being a culturally safe and inclusive organisation and has policies in place to create and maintain appropriate work practices and a respectful work environment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and otherwise culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply for this role.

Please let us know if you would like us to share our Cultural Safety Policy with you before applying for this role by emailing [email protected] using the subject line: Solicitor enquiry via EthicalJobs.