• Women’s Legal Service Victoria | Melbourne CBD | | Hybrid working model | Between 25-35 days paid Internship
• Gain invaluable experience researching a topic as part of a paid internship program
• Design and complete a research project aimed at delivering practice improvement and advocacy outcomes in family violence, family law, migration or child protection
• Receive training and mentoring in area of interest
• Work alongside experienced and dedicated professionals, making connections within the sector and building a network that will support your future career success
• Flexible work arrangements - work 1-3 days a week from 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026, as negotiated (between 25-35 days)

About Us

For over 40 years Women’s Legal Service Victoria (Women’s Legal) has championed women’s rights to live free from violence. We are a dedicated team with a passion for working with women and non-binary people to live free from violence and discrimination by:

• Providing high quality integrated legal services for Victorian women and non-binary people who are victim-survivors of family violence and disadvantaged or marginalised by structural and systemic barriers.

• Building the capacity of professionals who work with women and non-binary people, to better understand the law and navigate the legal system safely.

• Advancing gender equality by challenging unsafe and discriminatory policies and laws and informing and advocating for legal and policy initiatives that respect and promote the rights of women and non-binary people.

About the Internship

The Jacinta Dwyer Research Internship is an opportunity for final year or honours students in law, social work, community development or financial counselling to further develop their research skills by designing and completing a research project that:

• Aligns with Women’s Legal Service Victoria’s (Women's Legal) work towards improved access to justice for disadvantaged women in Victoria;
• Is aimed at delivering practice improvement and advocacy outcomes in the Women’s Legal practice areas including family law, family violence, migration or child protection; and
• Aligns with feminist values.

As an Intern, you will receive training and mentoring to develop skills and experience in carrying out the research project, along with access to Women’s Legal de-identified service data, if required.

One 25-35 day internship is offered to complete the research project, to be worked between 1-3 days per week, as agreed between Women’s Legal and the intern. Days are to be set considering the research plan and the intern’s other commitments.

About You

You are a final or honours year student in law, social work, community development or financial counselling and:

• Have a passion for research, preferably in areas of family law, family violence, child protection or migration;
• Believe in the purpose and values of Women’s Legal Service Victoria and demonstrate these in your work, study or personal experience;
• Are a strong communicator;
• Have highly developed written skills including writing reports and documents of a high standard;
• Can effectively manage your time and balance competing priorities;
• Are adaptable and flexible and can work in a changing environment;
• Enjoy and can demonstrate effectively and respectfully working in a team and engaging with stakeholders;
• Ideally you will have previous experience in undertaking research, including as part of a degree or other studies.

To apply

Complete the application form linked on our website: womenslegal.org.au/careers.

Please note we cannot accept applications for the program via email.

If you have any questions regarding the Jacinta Dwyer Research Internship, or your suitability – please email [email protected], using the subject line: Jacinta Dwyer Research Internship enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Please note, non-lawyers employed by Women’s Legal Service Victoria are required to comply with Section 121 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law.

All successful candidates will be required to produce a national criminal history check prior to the commencement of their employment.

Enquiries

Enquiries can be emailed to Ruth McKendrick, HR Officer at [email protected], using the subject line: Jacinta Dwyer Research Internship enquiry via EthicalJobs. 

A position description is attached.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We recognise our work benefits greatly from the unique knowledge, skills and expertise of individuals with diverse experiences, including those with lived experience of family violence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women with disability and women from migrant, refugee or non-English speaking backgrounds. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Women's Legal relies on an exception under the Equal Opportunity Act to employ women only.