Jobs & getting involved
Community legal centres offer the chance to perform rewarding social justice and human rights work in a dynamic environment. Working in a community legal centre is about making a real difference to people’s lives through the law.
Working in a CLC provides opportunities to be involved in a range of justice work including legal advice and representation, community legal education and policy and law reform work aimed at developing a fairer legal system that better responds to the needs of the disadvantaged.
As well as a broad range of stimulating and challenging work, community legal centre positions can offer flexible work hours, regular professional development opportunities and generous charity tax benefits through salary packaging (essentially making part of your salary tax free).
Work in community legal centres requires dedication, innovation, resourcefulness, a commitment to excellence, great communication skills and a passion for social justice.
In addition to job opportunities, there are many other ways to get involved in the work of community legal centres, including secondments, volunteering at a CLC or at the Federation or joining a CLC management committee/board.
Current vacancies at the Federation
Current vacancies in Victorian Community Legal Centres
Peninsula Community Legal Centre (PCLC) - Community Lawyer (28hpw) Six months Maternity Leave Position
PCLC provides a range of free legal and related services targeted to assist disadvantaged community members.
This position includes the provision of advice and operating files, with the potential for duty lawyer work. Period mid June – mid December 2013.
The position is based in Frankston and may require travel to other locations. Salary and conditions are based on the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Industry Award 2010. Salary packaging is available.
For further information and/or position description see here, or contact PCLC (03) 9783 3600 or email pclc@pclc.org.au or visit the website www.pclc.org.au
Applications close 5pm 24 May 2013.
Senior Lawyer – Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre
- Do you want to fight for social justice and work with clients facing challenging circumstances?
- Do you want to work collaboratively as part of a passionate and committed legal team?
- Do you have highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, especially in working with culturally and linguistically diverse clients?
Community West is a multi-program agency servicing Melbourne's western suburbs.
Situated in a significant growth corridor, Community West has grown from a small residents' action group to a large community-based organisation. Community West is committed to the communities of Melbourne's western region and provides an integrated service to families and individuals.
A core part of our work is Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre delivering legal services including advice and case work, community legal education and contributing to strategic law reform in the Western Region.
We are seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced senior lawyers to join of BMCLC team working across the offices in St Albans and Melton, with outreach services as required. Applicants must have demonstrated experience and knowledge of family, civil and/or criminal law and a good understanding of principles of social justice.
To apply please forward a CV and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (from the position description) to:
Applications close 24 May 2013.
Further questions, please call Stephanie Tonkin 03 8312 2001.
Family Violence Lawyer - Darebin CLC
Darebin Community Legal Centre is seeking an experienced Duty Lawyer for the Family Violence Division at Heidelberg Magistrates Court.
Part time position for 14 hours. 12 month contract
See attached position description.
Inquries contact Maria on 9484 7783 or email Administrator_Darebin@clc.net.au
Applications close Tuesday 12 June 2013 at 4pm
Executive Assistant - PILCH - Permanent - Full time
The Executive Assistant is responsible for providing professional executive support services and fostering positive key relationships to support the Executive Director. It also provides support to the Director of Operations and the Director of Engagement and Development.
Applications close 9am Friday 14 June 2013. Position description, selection criteria and application details are available to download here or via the PILCH website.
Current vacancies in Australian CLCs
For the latest jobs in community legal centres across Australia, go to the National Association of Community Legal Centres jobs website.
Current vacancies in other organisations
Applications for Victoria Legal Aid’s 2013 New Lawyers Program are now open.
The New Lawyers Program is offered to first and second year lawyers over two years. You will undertake placements across our programs and offices throughout Victoria including at least one in a rural/regional office.
Law graduate positions
Applications closed
Fitzroy Legal Service Traineeship
Fitzroy Legal Service annually recruits a trainee. The position is generously supported by Allens Arthur Robinson. Applications for 2013 are now closed.
Other graduate opportunities
From time to time, other positions become available in community legal centres, including policy and community development work, which do not require that the worker be an admitted lawyer. These positions are advertised in the current vacancies section above.
Victoria Legal Aid’s New Lawyers Program recruits newly admitted or junior lawyers for a two year program. For details, see Victoria Legal Aid’s website.
Donations
The Federation of Community Legal Centres has deductible gift recipient status, conferring tax deductibility on all donations of $2 or more.
If you would like to support the work of the Federation by making a donation, please make cheques payable to the Federation of Community Legal Centres (Victoria) Inc and send with your contact details to:
Federation of Community Legal Centres (Victoria) Inc
Level 3, 225 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
If you would like to donate via EFT, please contact us:
P: (03) 9652 1500
E: administration@fclc.org.au
A statement of your contributions will be issued each year for taxation purposes.
