• Location: Hobart, Tasmania
• Employment Status: 12-month contract with the possibility of becoming permanent
• Hours: Full time
• Reports to: Supervising Lawyer
• Salary: SCHADS Level 3.4

About TRLS

The Tasmanian Refugee Legal Service (TRLS) is an independent community legal centre specialising in refugee law. TRLS’s work involves provision of free key legal assistance and representation to people who could not otherwise obtain it due to financial and other forms of distinct disadvantage often related to their cultural or linguistically diverse backgrounds or experiences of torture or trauma.

TRLS is the only dedicated refugee, migrant, asylum seeker and humanitarian entrant legal service in Tasmania. TRLS addresses an access-to-justice gap that manifests from the unique circumstances of this cohort. TRLS’ legal services significantly improves the operation of the justice system for persons resident in Tasmania who would otherwise be without access to legal services. TRLS provides pro bono migration and related legal services to individuals resident in Tasmania who are unable (due to cost and other barriers discussed above) access these services from the private sector or other community legal centres.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and committed Graduate Lawyer. The position primarily involves casework (90%) and community education/training (10%). The Graduate Lawyer will manage a substantial caseload of asylum seeker, refugee, and migrant clients, under the direct supervision of a senior lawyer. This role requires participation in team casework and operational meetings and reports directly to the Supervising Lawyer.

 Key Accountabilities, Responsibilities, and Duties

Casework Responsibilities and Duties:

• Manage a substantial caseload, including initial advice, preparation and lodgement of applications, representation, and advocacy.
• Represent clients at the Department of Home Affairs and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
• Provide casework and advice services to TRLS clients with a high level of proficiency.
• Work quickly, accurately, and effectively under pressure and within key time limits.
• Draft statutory declarations and written legal submissions referencing the Migration Act 1958.
• Ensure detailed, accurate, and timely lodgement of visa applications.
• Check and review all relevant documents and procedures for each visa application.
• Complete lodgement of substantive legal work, including visa applications, protection visa interviews, tribunal hearings, and court hearings.
• Manage timelines and client deadlines while upholding high ethical standards.

File Management Responsibilities and Duties:

• Upholding TRLS's commitment to confidentiality in client data management and employing rigorous measures to secure and safeguard sensitive client data.
• Creating and maintaining accurate records of information, discrete advice, and client files in TRLS databases including Actionstep, SharePoint, and (where required) hardcopy.
• Taking responsibility for ensuring relevant deadlines are met, and developing any additional personal systems that may be required to monitor deadlines.
• Complying with the record keeping and file management standards required by TRLS policies, professional indemnity insurance, and in accordance with general legal and ethical requirements.
• Completing time recording if required.

Client Relationships:

• Develop and maintain client relationships with empathy and understanding of clients' needs and circumstances.
• Provide clear legal advice and case strategy.
• Maintain professional conduct and adhere to high standards of the legal profession.
• Communicate clearly with clients about deadlines and legal requirements.

External Relationships:

• Develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders on behalf of TRLS.
• Communicate effectively with key stakeholders regarding the provision of TRLS services.

Community Engagement Responsibilities and Duties:

• Contribute to TRLS Community Legal Education Program by preparing and delivering community education and public presentations on refugee and immigration law, practice, policy, and procedure.

Individual and Team Accountabilities:

• Engaging in supervision and performance review processes to support professional growth and development.
• Conducting and reporting on legal research.
• Taking individual responsibility for staying informed of all relevant legal and policy changes.
• Participating in professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Attending internal staff and planning meetings, actively participating in discussions, and providing input as needed.
• Contributing to planning and coordination of fundraising and other events as required.
• Supervising volunteers and students if required.
• Assisting the TRLS Lawyers and the Principal Lawyer with funding applications, reports, and acquittals.
• Work flexible hours, including outside standard business hours on weekdays and some weekends if required.

Development of the Service:

• Identify opportunities for the development and improvement of TRLS services.
• Stay abreast of developments in the law relevant to the sector and TRLS.

General:

• Complying with the Legal Profession Act 2007 and its rules and regulations.
• Adhering to all relevant TRLS policies and procedures.
• Carrying out additional duties that may reasonably be required.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated ability to manage a substantial caseload and provide legal assistance in a timely and proficient manner.
• Strong legal research, drafting, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain client relationships.
• Commitment to the rights and dignity of refugees, asylum seekers, and other disadvantaged groups.
• Experience in community legal education and public speaking.
• Capacity for team orientation and collaboration.

Application Process

To apply, submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria. Interviews will take place in the weeks following the advertised closing date.

At TRLS, we're dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity in our workforce. We welcome applications from individuals with firsthand experience of displaced migration, asylum seeking, refugee status, as well as First Nations people. We also encourage those from historically disadvantaged groups, including but not limited to gender, class, race, or social capacity backgrounds, to apply.

We encourage applicants to indicate any assistance they may require in their applications.

A position description is attached.