Practical Legal Training (PLT) Position

• Volunteer Position (minimum 3 days a week and 60 days placement)
• Bankstown office location
• Community Legal Centre incorporating domestic and family violence services.

Why join us?

By completing your PLT at Justice Support Centre, you will be surrounded by a team of individuals who are committed and passionate about making a difference to the lives of individuals facing legal challenges in south west Sydney.

Professional Growth: through a supervising lawyer you will have contact with our Centre’s clients to build your skills and knowledge for the provision of legal services

Collaboration: Work collaboratively with our team members by sharing skills, resources, projects, and ideas.

Exposure: apply your legal knowledge, to build your legal skills by contributing to research projects or legal advice by conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, file management, preparation for hearings, preparation of administrative law applications, and legal writing, for a supervising lawyers.

About Justice Support Centre

Justice Support Centre is a Not-for-Profit Community Legal Centre. We are committed to providing effective, and high-quality legal services to the community. We focus on delivering legal support by telephone, face-to-face consultations, legal representation, community legal education, and participation in law reform activities.

About the role

This role joins a team of solicitors in a Community Legal Centre that promotes access to justice for those disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances.

 The PLT position will support the legal team at Justice Support Centre by:

1. researching case law and legislation on specific legal issues as required by lawyers
2. handling phone calls and email enquiries as part of the Centre’s intake and triage
3. learning how to take instructions and communicate with clients including handling phone calls and enquiries as part of the Centre’s phone intake and attending client appointments
4. learn how to operate practice management software with a view to help manage case files by tracking limitaiton periods and ensuring that the files are up to date
5. assist with the drafting of various legal documents (including but not limited to intake forms, initial, ongoing or after court letters and any other documents as required)
6. observe and assist lawyers on busy duty court list days, in the local court
7. assist lawyers in the preparation of court hearings (drafting submissions, affidavits,court forms or preparing evidence)
8. contribute to the development of community legal education and law reform resources

You must be elegible to complete the work place experience component of the PLT program.  

Essential Criteria

• knowledge of legal terminology and legal research techniques
• ability to comprehend and decipher legislation and legal documents
• knowledge of legal principles and procedures
• excellent computer literacy, in particular Microsoft Office 365, case management systems and the efficient preparation of correspondence
• excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• good interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain legal information concisely to diverse audiences
• demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines
• strong attention to detail, high level of accuracy and problem-solving skills
• demonstrated commitment to social justice and supporting disadvantaged communities
• willingness to undertake a National Criminal History check and hold a valid NSW driver’s license.

HOW TO APPLY

1. read the Position Description above
2. your application should include a covering letter and a resume

 The covering letter needs to state:

• the position you are applying for
• your current contact details
• your available days

 Your resume should detail:

• your employment history including dates and a brief statement of duties from previous roles
• your education history

     3.  please email your application to farah.rainey@jsc.org.au

CONTACT PERSON

Enquiries about the role should be emailed to Farah Rainey, Assistant Principal Solicitor farah.rainey@jsc.org.au