About the role

The Advocacy & Legal Division encompasses a co-located community legal centre and an advocacy service available to students of the University of Melbourne.

The legal service lawyer is primarily responsible for providing high level support and advice and limited legal representation to students at the University of Melbourne. The position will also contribute to the development and delivery of the Legal Service’s community legal education, volunteer pro bono and law reform and advocacy programs. This is not considered an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties or skills required in the role.

Core responsibilities of your role include:

• Legal Advice and Casework
• Liaison, Community Legal Education (CLE) and Law Reform
• Volunteer and Pro Bono Programs
• Supporting and working cooperatively with the Principal Lawyer

Your Expertise (Need to Have)- Key Selection Criteria

• A current Victorian practising certificate or eligibility to obtain one and 2-3 + years PAE.
• Demonstrated casework and advocacy experience in a number of the following areas of law: motor vehicle accidents, discrimination, tenancy, criminal law, traffic matters, infringements including fine negotiations and revocation applications, consumer issues, social security and other relevant matters.
• Ability to develop and deliver community legal education (CLE); undertake law reform projects and co-ordinate and supervise volunteer programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to social justice.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and within a small team environment to ensure goals are achieved.
• Well-developed organisational, time management and file management skills.
• A commitment to the principles of student unionism.
• A valid employee Working with Children Check or willingness to apply.

Bonus Points (Nice to Have)

• Experience in the community legal sector or legal aid.
• Experience in working in student organisations.
• Experience in working in a higher education environment.

About The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (UMSU)

The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (UMSU) is a dynamic, for-purpose incorporated association, serving as the representative body for all students at the University of Melbourne. Structured around student control of student affairs, UMSU is governed by an elected Students’ Council and twelve student departments, chosen by and from the student body.

Located in the heart of the University of Melbourne’s award-winning student precinct, UMSU is a vibrant, creative, and diverse social justice organization committed to representing and supporting University of Melbourne students. Their arts and culture programs for emerging student artists are run in a state-of-the-art theatre, a professional art gallery, the iconic Rowden White Library and the Ida Bar – the only student bar on campus.