Paralegal, Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS)

  • Busy criminal law practice, providing responsive, individualised service
  • Part time (.6FTE) fixed term contract for 12 months
  • Hours can be worked flexibly across the week

The Justice and Equity Centre (JEC) is a leading social justice law and policy centre. We build a fairer, stronger society by helping to change laws, policies and practices that cause injustice and inequality.  

We offer a diverse and inclusive workplace where:

  • Wellbeing is actively promoted and flexibility is supported
  • We are committed to the professional development of our staff
  • Advantageous salary packaging options are available

Our Homeless Persons’ Legal Service provides free legal assistance for people experiencing homelessness. This includes a criminal law practice that aims to divert clients from the criminal justice system.

You will primarily report to and support the work of the Criminal Solicitor Advocate as well as assist with administrative tasks across the HPLS team. Your main responsibilities will include:

  • Managing and processing client files including drafting outcome letters
  • Appointment setting including for clients in custody, arranging medical assessments and reception cover
  • Liaising with clients and stakeholders including police, courts and corrections
  • Assisting the Criminal Solicitor Advocate with legal drafting tasks as required
  • Responding to client enquiries about their criminal matters and assisting the HPLS Coordinator with general HPLS enquiries

You have experience providing administrative support in a legal practice, including drafting correspondence, an ability to prioritise workload and develop workflow systems and processes, intermediate MS Word and Excel skills, accurate and efficient data entry skills and a familiarity using a database. Your attributes include:

  • Capacity to exercise sound judgement in dealing with sensitive, confidential matters 
  • Confident and courteous approach to assisting a range of people 
  • Ability to work cooperatively in a team 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability are strongly encouraged to apply. 

If you would like to contribute to breaking the cycle of disadvantage for people experiencing homelessness, please send your resume along with a covering letter and responses to the selection criteria included in the position description.

Inquiries should be directed to Wes Burton, Managing Solicitor HPLS, via [email protected].

Please send your application to [email protected], including ‘Paralegal HPLS’ in the subject field.  Please note there is no application close date, and we invite you to apply as soon as possible.