Westjustice is currently looking for 1 Practical Legal Trainee (PLT) to work 2 days per week (Mondays and Thursdays) assisting our Economic & Housing Rights Program specifically within the Tenancy Team. The placement is for a minimum of 20 days over 10 weeks (2 set days a week).
About Westjustice
Westjustice are a leading community legal centre providing free services to people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. From our offices in Sunshine and Werribee and through our outreach services we provide advice on a broad range of issues including employment, discrimination, consumer disputes, tenancy, credit and debt, family disputes, family violence, criminal law and more.
Westjustice believe in a just and fair society where the law and its processes do not discriminate against vulnerable people. We provide free legal education, undertake law reform activities and work in partnership with their local communities to deliver projects that improve access to justice.
Westjustice’s purpose is to service the legal needs in the West in a way that addresses the systemic nature of disadvantage.
The Practical Legal Training (PLT) Program at Westjustice
PLTs provide a vital contribution to our work and the functioning of our team. Successful applicants will gain valuable and practical experience and training working under the supervision of experienced lawyers within the Economic & Housing Rights Program.
We recognise that we have an intrinsically inequitable economic and legal system, a consequence of which includes the criminalisation of poverty.
Our aim is to assist people to navigate and enforce their rights within the justice system and effect fundamental and necessary improvements. Our case work and educational programs provide the evidence for our reform agenda and systemic impact advocacy.
If successful, you will gain relevant legal experience working with a high performing supportive team delivering legal services in tenancy matters.
Key Responsibilities/Expectations
· Conducting intake (basic instructions) with clients, many of whom are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
· File management tasks
· Preparing correspondence with guidance of a lawyer
· Data entry
· Legal research, analysis and problem solving to assist lawyers with their case work
Key Selection Criteria:
· A degree in law
· Be currently completing your Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (through Leo Cussen or an equivalent institution)
· Ability to undertake a minimum of 20 days (2 set days per week) of practical legal training at Westjustice over 10 weeks
· Ability to work from our offices located in Werribee and Sunshine
· Excellent IT skills, including use of Sharepoint, Actionstep (or case management systems), Teams, Microsoft Office, Outlook
· Strong commitment to social justice, including a demonstrated understanding of the social context of law and the issues faced by vulnerable communities and the ability to contribute to Westjustice’s systemic impact work
· Ability to listen to and engage with vulnerable or disadvantaged clients
· Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders
· High level personal skills, including resilience and the ability to communicate and consult effectively
· Excellent problem-solving skills with a can-do attitude when offering solutions
· Excellent attention to detail and a friendly demeanour
· Excellent written and oral communication skills
· Confident, strong initiative, compassionate, with an interest in community legal work
*Please note that PLT positions are unpaid*
The successful PLT volunteer must be available on Mondays and Tuesdays.
We offer a robust structured training program and a Certificate of Completion is awarded upon completion of the 10-week program.
How to Apply:
To apply, please email a cover letter that addresses the key selection criteria (maximum 2 pages) and your CV to sarah@westjustice.org.au addressed to Sarah Breen.
Please use the subject line: PLT [insert your name] application – Economic & Hosuing Rights Program.
Feel free to email us any questions you may have via the above email address.
Applications close Friday 26 June 2026.
The successful applicant will require a current Working with Children’s Check and Police Check. People with lived experience of the justice system are encouraged to apply. A police check result does not automatically disqualify an application which in each case will be individually assessed for the relevant role. Applicants must also have the right to work in Australia.
Westjustice is committed to building a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people living with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTIQA+ identifying people.
