SMLS is very excited to have been able to launch our LGBTIQA+ specialist legal service, Justice Q as part of evolving our overall practice to be community aware and responsive. We are looking for dynamic, creative and community aligned staff to join us as we roll out the new practice in the south-east metro region. SMLS is establishing spaces at our offices and an outreach location in the City of Dandenong. SMLS is a leader in integrated service models and as part of this practice, is the commitment to collaboratively servicing the legal needs of the LGBTIQA+ community in the south-east with key stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to support the legal rights of the LGBTIQA+ community. You will be joining a small, but specialist team supported by an engaged and aligned steering committee.

Please note: South-East Monash Legal Service is an inclusive employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. This is a special measures role and only members of the LGBTIQA+ community are eligible to apply, in line with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010  

About SMLS

Established in 1973, South-East Monash Legal Service (SMLS) is a community legal centre that provides free legal assistance to people in Southeast Melbourne. SMLS provides legal information, advice and case work including representation for people experiencing disadvantage on a range of legal matters, such as family law and family violence, employment law, debt and fines, civil litigation, wills, power of attorney, and tenancy.

SMLS aims to empower and support members of the community to understand and make use of the law and the legal system to protect their rights and to increase their awareness of their legal responsibilities. SMLS is a strong advocate of and committed to the use of integrated service models to address multifaceted challenges facing our community members.

SMLS is committed to advocacy and social change. SMLS is a leader in the provision of community and clinical legal education; advocacy through policy submissions and lobbying; outreach services; and targeted referral programs.

Our Vision

A fair and inclusive community where people can access the resources, networks and support they need to resolve legal issues and overcome barriers to social, cultural and economic inclusion and participation.

Our Purpose

To help resolve people’s legal and interconnected issues and ensure that laws and legal processes are fair.

Our Values

Our core values are Respect, Community, Excellence and Courage.

POSITION PURPOSE

This is an exciting new role that will help shape SMLS’ Justice Q program. Justice Q is SMLS’ specialist LGBTIQA+ legal service for people in south-east Melbourne. This new and exciting program will utilise SMLS’ integrated service model with a multidisciplinary team of lawyers, community development and peer workers. The program will also have an internal referral system, where clients are able to access services across SMLS practice areas. The program will be implemented across sites in the south-east metro of Melbourne.

The Justice Q Lawyer will provide specialist legal assistance, strategic litigation, and help develop legal education materials. This is a generalist position, assisting with legal issues from various practice areas. The role will be supported by an internal community of practice.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Essential Selection Criteria:

• Eligibility to hold an unrestricted Victorian legal practicing certificate with 3+ years post admission experience
• Strong, demonstrated commitment and/or connection to the LGBTIQA+ community, including knowledge of legal issues
• Experience working on complex litigation or complex legal campaigning in an area of either public, human rights or administrative law
• Experience briefing barristers and experts in litigation matters.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including demonstrated ability to communicate legal concepts in clear language and prepare written legal advice.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and build mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Desirable Selection Criteria:

• Experience working in the community legal sector, legal aid or other settings that support communities who are experiencing disadvantage and/or injustice
• Experience and/or interest in tribunal or court representation

Please read the Position Description below for more detailed information. Any further enquiries can be sent to [email protected] using the subject line: Lawyer - Justice Q Program enquiry via EthicalJobs.

We will be assessing applications as they are received and may offer an interview prior to the deadline.