Practical Legal Training (PLT) Placement (Arabic/Spanish speaking)

About the Organisation

The Australian Refugee Association (ARA)'s Migration Services Team, trading as ARA Community Legal is offering Practical Legal Training (PLT) placements to motivated law graduates or final-year law students. 

About the Opportunity

This placement offers practical, supervised experience in migration law. The successful applicants will work closely with experienced migration lawyers to support client matters, legal research, drafting, file preparation and visa-related work.

We welcome applications from all eligible PLT students and particularly encourage students from Arabic or Spanish speaking backgrounds to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist migration lawyers and migration agents with client communication, and liaison with relevant stakeholders
• Assist with visa applications, submissions and supporting documents under supervision
• Conduct legal and policy research relating to migration law, administrative law and client matters
• Draft submissions and correspondence 

About You

• Currently undertaking, or soon to commence Practical Legal Training (PLT)
• Completed, or nearing completion of a law degree
• Strong administrative, organisational and time-management skills
• Can communicate respectfully and effectively with people from diverse cultural and linguistic background
• Strong attention to detail and can manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately
• Prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and work both independently and as part of a team
• A genuine interest in migration law, administrative law and access to justice

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Arabic or Spanish language skills, or other language skills relevant to working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• Previous experience in a legal, migration, community services or administrative setting
• An interest in working with refugees, migrants and vulnerable clients

What You Will Gain

• Practical, hands-on experience in migration law and various visa applications
• Exposure to a broad range of migration, visa and client matters
• Guidance and mentoring from experienced lawyers and migration agents
• Experience working in a supportive, collaborative and purpose-driven team environment
• An opportunity to build practical skills and explore a career pathway in migration and immigration law
• Potential pathway to ongoing employment for the right candidate

Time Commitment

• Minimum two (2) days per week (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents to migration@ausref.net

• Resume / CV (2x Referees) 
• Cover letter outlining your interest for the placement
• Working with Children Check (WWCC) 
• Police Check