Supervise the MOSAIC legal practice Advocate for access to services Advise pro-bono lawyers on legal issues Join a dynamic and growing organisation

Transcription

1 Supervise the MOSAIC legal practice Advocate for access to services Advise pro-bono lawyers on legal issues Join a dynamic and growing organisation PO Box Melbourne VIC DX 128 Melbourne Tel Fax justiceconnect.org.au

2 An exciting opportunity has arisen to join one of Australia s most successful public interest and pro bono law organisations. Justice Connect is a not-for-profit organisation with a vision of a world that is fair and just; where rights are respected and advanced, laws are fairer, and systems are more accessible and accountable. Justice Connect pursues this vision by providing access to justice through pro bono legal services to people experiencing disadvantage and the community organisations that support them. We also address injustice through law reform, policy work and legal education. MOSAIC (Migrant Outreach Service Advice, Information and Community Education) is our specialist legal service for newly arrived migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in need of civil law advice. We work closely with pro bono lawyers to provide hundreds of people with legal information, advice and representation with civil law issues. Our services are outreach based and client centred. We are currently seeking a Principal Lawyer and Manager for a 12 month maternity leave backfill contract. The role will manage and supervise MOSAIC s legal practice. As the Principal Lawyer and Manager, MOSAIC you ll make a real difference to the lives of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers by assisting them to resolve their civil law issues; provide training and information to CALD communities, caseworkers and lawyers to assist them to resolve civil law problems early; and work to deliver law reform in this area. If you are a qualified solicitor or barrister eligible to hold a principal practising certificate, have significant knowledge of the legal issues affecting people from CALD backgrounds, experience working with refugees and new migrants, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a desire to make a difference for social justice, we look forward to hearing from you. Applications close at 9am, Monday 9 February 2015 Position description, selection criteria and application details are available at

3 Position title Position reports to Position supervises Salary Employment Status Hours Location Principal Lawyer and Manager, MOSAIC Director of Legal Services Administrator, students, lawyers Pro rata of $91, per annum, plus 9.5% superannuation, annual leave loading, & generous salary packaging options 1 Fixed term for one year 30 hours a week (0.8 FTE) Level 12, Phillip Street, Sydney Closing Date Applications are due by 9am on 9th February 2015 For Further Information Phone Deborah Di Natale, Director of Legal Services on (03) The Principal Lawyer and Manager of MOSAIC will manage the service and supervise its legal practice. Supervise the MOSAIC legal practice as conducted by MOSAIC volunteer lawyers Provide legal advice and guidance to volunteer lawyers and respond to legal inquiries from MOSAIC clients Supervise and lead staff of MOSAIC to achieve the highest professional standards Design, supervise and engage in relevant law reform, advocacy, training and education activities, including consumer participation Maintain existing and establish new relationships with host agencies, participating law firms and other relevant stakeholders Conduct and supervise regular training on relevant issues for volunteer lawyers Promote and publicise MOSAIC, including by representing MOSAIC in a range of public forums, the media and by contributing to internal and external publications Implement MOSAIC s strategic plan in consultation with the Director of Legal Services and key stakeholders 1 As a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) Justice Connect is able to offer staff generous salary packaging options. The tax savings for a staff member choosing to take full advantage of the salary packaging option mean that their take home salary is more than it would be without access to salary packaging.

4 Support the Director of Legal Services to ensure ongoing and adequate funding for MOSAIC, including managing relationships with current funders and supporters and securing new sources of financial and inkind support Assist in the preparation and ongoing management of the MOSAIC budget Ensure that MOSAIC complies with corporate governance requirements, including reporting and evaluation requirements of the Justice Connect Board and external funders Perform other duties as directed and necessary to the proper performance of the role This job description outlines the current duties and responsibilities of the position. These will be reviewed on a regular basis with the position holder and are subject to change according to the needs and priorities of Justice Connect. Qualifications Experience Knowledge, skills & attributes Qualified solicitor or barrister eligible to hold a principal practising certificate A minimum of five years post admission legal practice experience as a barrister or solicitor Experience working in the community sector Experience working with refugees and new migrants Experience in developing and implementing new, innovative programs Experience in managing, motivating and developing a team of staff Experience in managing client files and delivery of plain language legal advice Experience in law reform and advocacy work (preferred) Experience delivering training and in public speaking (preferred) Sound knowledge of the legal issues that commonly arise for people from CALD backgrounds Knowledge of the legal assistance and pro bono sector in NSW Knowledge of the migrant and settlement providers and networks in NSW (preferred) Demonstrated ability to work with clients from a CALD background High level of communication and negotiation skills, with a demonstrated ability to use those skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders and clients Demonstrated ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively in a team environment Highly motivated Sound computer skills within a legal practice environment A commitment to Justice Connect s vision and values and an interest in social justice and human rights issues Justice Connect offers employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax-free), flexible working arrangements, above award annual leave provisions and opportunities for professional development. Justice Connect is an organisation that strives to show leadership, operate sustainably and demonstrate our effectiveness. You will be rewarded with a workplace culture that is professional, committed, collaborative and creative and where you can make a real difference through your work.

5 For further information about Justice Connect and its work please visit The application process is as follows: Applications should be addressed to Deborah Di Natale, Director of Legal Services and should comprise a cover letter, your resume, and a succinct statement outlining your suitability for the role with reference to the selection criteria. Applications should be uploaded via the Justice Connect website as a single word or PDF file and must include MOSAIC in the filename. Applications close at 9am on Monday 9 th February Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by telephone on or before Friday 20 th February Interviews for the position will most likely be held on Tuesday 3 rd and Wednesday 4 th March.