Legal Aid NSW Aboriginal Identified - Professional Legal Placement

Professional Legal Placements are a component of the Legal Aid NSW Judge Bob Bellear Legal Careers Pathways Program. This program provides recent Law graduates with the opportunity to complete their formal twelve week on-the-job Practical Legal Training (PLT), to be eligible for admission as a solicitor.

The Professional Legal Placement Program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law graduates who:

• Have completed their university studies to obtain a Law degree (LLB or equivalent) and;
• Are eligible to undertake Practical Legal Training.

The advertisement for the role sets out the criteria that applicants must address to be considered for the program.

We are looking for applicants who:

• Have a sound academic record and are the best people to work in a diverse and challenging work environment;
• Are good communicators and highly motivated;
• Are committed and sensitive to the needs of our disadvantaged client groups in a social justice environment;
• Are interested in our legal practice areas;
• Can demonstrate initiative, adaptability and problem solving skills; and
• Are committed to offering excellent customer service and working in a high volume work environment as a valued team member.

There are currently two vacancies in the 2018 intake.

The placements are potentially state-wide. Applicants desired locations will be taken into consideration however Legal Aid NSW's operational requirements will be a factor.

Legal Aid NSW Practice Areas

Legal Aid NSW provides legal services to disadvantaged clients across NSW in most areas of Criminal, Family and Civil Law.

Family Law

The Family Law practice helps adults and children resolve their family disputes and to achieve safe and workable care arrangements for children.

We provide legal advice and minor assistance, duty services, family dispute resolution and case representation in Commonwealth Family Law matters, including child support matters, and in state care and protection matters across NSW.

Specialist services provided by the Family Law practice include:

• Child support (for carer and paying parents);
• Care and protection;
• Family Law Early Intervention Unit; and
• Independent Children’s Lawyer

Criminal Law

The Criminal Law practice assists people charged with criminal offences appearing before the Local Court, Children's Court, District Court, Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeal and the High Court.

We provide legal advice and minor assistance, duty appearances and case representation at courts throughout the State. The Criminal Law Division also provides advice and representation in specialist jurisdictions including the Parole Authority, Drug Court and the Youth Drug and Alcohol Court.

Our specialist services include:

• Children's Legal Service including the Youth Hotline
• Drug Court
• Prisoners Legal Service

Civil Law

The Civil Law practice helps resolve legal issues that impact on people's everyday lives such as debts, unpaid fines, discrimination, tenancy issues, Centrelink disputes and more. Our focus is on helping people to resolve legal issues as early as possible.

We provide free legal advice in a wide range of areas, help at some courts and tribunals, and grants of legal aid for matters which are eligible under our policies.

Community workers play a critical role in connecting people to legal assistance services. We also provide training in civil law for front-line staff, and education sessions for the public.

We specialise in the following areas of law:

• Housing law;
• Consumer law including credit, debt and mortgage matters;
• Discrimination law;
• Social security law;
• Immigration law;
• Mental health law;
• Guardianship law;
• Veterans' law; and
• Legal help for victims of natural disasters

Our specialist services include:

• Civil Law Services for Aboriginal Communities
• Coronial Inquest Unit;
• Employment Law Services;
• Homeless Outreach Legal Service;
• Human Rights Committee;
• Immigration Service;
• Mental Health Advocacy Service;
• Mortgage Hardship Service;
• Older Person's Legal and Education Program;
• Sexual Assault Communications Privilege Service;
• Social Security Service;
• Veterans’ Advocacy Service; and
• Work and Development Order Service

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted via jobs.nsw.gov.au.

You must answer the two targeted questions and address each of the focus capabilities (as set out in the role description) as part of your application.

Contact

For further information on the program, contact Scott Hawkins on (02) 9219 5109.