An opportunity exists for a Lawyer to join our legal team in Melbourne and make a meaningful impact in the lives of migrant and refugee women experiencing family violence, as well as their families and communities. This position will primarily practice in migration law, family law and family violence.
inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence (inTouch) is at the forefront of providing integrated and culturally responsive services to women from migrant and refugee communities experiencing family violence. For over 40 years, we’ve championed the cause of our clients, helping more than 30,000 women, children and families to thrive despite the challenges they’ve faced. Our approach is unique and effective, thanks to our inLanguage, inCulture delivery model and our team’s profound and personal understanding of cultural sensitivities and the migration journey. With a refreshed Executive Team, we are inviting you to join us to make a greater impact for those affected by family violence and their communities.
inTouch is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to being an organisation that embraces a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion within our workforce and approach to service delivery. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic communities, people of all ages and LGBTIQA+ people.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This role will see you working in an integrated model of service delivery, working with inTouch Family Violence Practitioners and its Women’s Legal Centre to provide a holistic service to migrant and refugee women on their journey to safety.
To act as a lawyer by providing high quality legal services including complex casework and advice services in migration and family law, training and mentoring to paralegals, students and volunteers. The successful candidate will be committed to social justice, be culturally competent with a genuine interest in seeking just outcomes for culturally diverse women and their children experiencing a range of legal issues. The successful candidate will be committed to social justice, be culturally competent with a genuine interest in seeking just outcomes for migrant and refugee women and their children experiencing a range of legal issues.
Key focus areas will include:
Legal Advice & Casework
Provide legal advice and conduct casework predominately in migration and/or family law matters in accordance with professional legal practice, including government and professional indemnity insurance requirements.
Supervise junior, paralegal and volunteers in migration and family law and contribute to professional legal education by assisting in the development and delivery of relevant programs.
Contribute to implementation and review of the Women’s Legal Centre’s strategic plan, guidelines and inTouch’s strategic plan.
Contribute to the inTouch integrated legal practice model by regularly communicating with service teams to ensure successful implementation of the Women’s Legal Centre‘s operational model.
Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education program and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system.
Community Development & Partnerships
Represent the Women’s Legal Centre by attending seminars, participating in committees and liaising with external stakeholders and organisations that have an impact on the work of inTouch.
Operate legal outposts such as our Health Justice Partnership and other legal projects we run with partner organisations.
Provide community legal education presentations and workshops to our stakeholders including migrant community organisations, legal centres and community health organisations so as to raise awareness of family violence within migrant communities.
Lead community legal education projects, law reform and other Women’s Legal Centre projects as required.
Other duties as directed by the Principal Lawyer.
ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT
Essential
A current Australian Practising Certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a Legal Practitioner (mandatory).
Demonstrated capacity to work as an advocate and case worker in matters within the scope of the Women’s Legal Centre’s program predominantly in migration and family law.
Sound knowledge or practical experience within the scope of the Women’s Legal Centre’s program with a focus on migration and family law.
Ability to provide strategic advice on legal and policy issues and demonstrate an understanding of the role of external organisations, private practitioners and community in the delivery of legal assistance services.
High level interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with clients who are socially and economically disadvantaged, migrant and refugee communities as well as with staff and external stakeholders and organisations.
Capacity to positively engage with key partner agencies and/or their workers, to appropriately manage referrals to and from those agencies and to promote the service within community settings.
Ability to work collaboratively with others and foster a cooperative and supportive team environment.
Advanced interpersonal and communication skills and experience in working with clients from diverse backgrounds in an emphatic and culturally competent manner.
Desirable
Experience in working in a Community Legal Centre environment and are familiar with the NACLC risk management guidelines and cross check procedures.
Understanding of the Victoria Legal Aid funding guidelines and legal aid system.
Understanding of migration law and family law exemptions.
Lived experience working with migrant and refugee communities and understanding of cultural norms and communication styles.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note your application will not be considered unless you provide a cover letter responding to the key selection criteria (maximum 2 pages of text) and an updated Resume.
Candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Reach out to hr@intouch.org.au if you require support to complete your application or adjustments based on your access needs.
Application will close on 7 August 2025.
All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory background checks including a National Police Check (including an international police check if resided continuously in an overseas country for 12 months or more in the last ten years),Working with Children Check, Reference checks, proof of eligibility to work in Australia and qualification checks.
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