PLT intern - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth

Everyday Justice - Job description for a PLT intern

Everyday Justice is a charitable law firm owned by Mills Oakley, one of Australia’s leading law firms.  Everyday Justice is dedicated to providing legal services to the ‘missing middle’ - people who require legal assistance but cannot obtain Legal Aid or access the legal system without incurring substantial financial hardship.

Everyday Justice offers free legal services in the areas of employment law, tenancy, credit & debt, small business disputes, bankruptcy, wills and estates, financial abuse, fines & infringements, human rights, environmental and other areas of public interest. The firm will develop and use innovative legal tech solutions to deliver these free legal services as effectively and efficiently as possible.  More information about the firm can be found at https://everydayjustice.com.au

Everyday Justice is proud to partner with The College of Law on this new initiative. With their support, Everyday Justice has created a holistic learning environment for law graduates who are undertaking the Practical Legal Training (‘PLT’) program and newly qualified lawyers who are interested in gaining legal experience in social justice and public interest matters.

In January, Everyday Justice celebrated its first birthday. In the firm's first year of operation, Everyday Justice is proud of the following achievements: 

• 52 PLT interns from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth have volunteered with the service
• 14,104 hours of pro bono legal work has been completed for vulnerable clients
• 750 enquiries for legal assistance have been received
• Over 600 clients have received legal advice
• Over 120 limited assistance legal services have been provided 
• 9 clients have been represented in court or tribunal proceedings
• 10 PLT interns have been hired by Mills Oakley for ongoing legal roles

The Role

Everyday Justice is looking for motivated PLT students or recently qualified lawyers to join Everyday Justice as legal interns on a volunteer basis in our Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth offices. 

You will be working under the direct supervision of leading professionals in the social justice sector, who are committed to providing interns with a supportive, stimulating and diverse learning environment.

All legal interns will undertake a comprehensive training program covering all areas of Everyday Justice’s practice, as well as training on the practical skills needed to build a strong foundation for a career in the social justice or public interest law sector. In addition, you will have access to senior lawyers from Mills Oakley, who will act as mentors throughout your internship.

The role will be fast-paced, dynamic and varied. It will involve individual client work in a wide range of practice areas, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need of free legal services.

Who We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• Completed their law degree and either be eligible to commence Practical Legal Training or have recently completed Practical Legal Training;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong attention to detail;
• An interest in developing legal experience in Everyday Justice’s practice areas;
• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to social justice; and
• The ability to work independently or as part of a team; 

This is a voluntary, unpaid position. Everyday Justice will negotiate working hours suitable to both the ideal candidate and the firm.

Apply

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, by submitting their CV and a cover letter responding to the selection criteria to Amy Burton, Managing Lawyer at info@everydayjustice.com.au. 

As we receive a high number of applicants from around the country, please ensure you specify which state/territory you are applying from. We will only contact applicants who are successful in obtaining an interview.