Street Law Solicitor – Temporary contract to 30 June 2017

Canberra Community Law (CCL) is a leading not for profit community legal centre in the ACT and its region committed to social justice and human rights. We are seeking a full time Solicitor to work in our Street Law service, which is a generalist legal service which provides advice and legal assistance to people who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless.

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor with demonstrated commitment to social justice and human rights and capacity to advocate for and work effectively with disadvantaged clients.

Key aspects of the role include:

  • Working as a member of Street Law’s legal team to provide advice and casework assistance to clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness;
  • Undertaking outreach, community legal education and activities.

Salary range is between $61 997.52 to $74,748.13 per annum plus superannuation and salary packaging.

This is a full time temporary contract position until 30 June 2017.

Secondments will be considered.

How to apply for this job

Applications should be addressed to Genevieve Bolton, the Executive Director/Principal Solicitor, Canberra Community Law and should include a cover letter, resume and statement addressing the selection criteria.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria will not be considered. Applications should be submitted by email to

Any questions regarding the advertised position should be directed to Ms Anusha Goonetilleke, Street Law Supervising Solicitor on (02) 6218 7925.

Supporting Materials

Information pack is attached.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 27 April 2016.

Street Law Solicitor Position Description and Selection Criteria

Position: Street Law Solicitor

Status: Temporary contract to 30 June 2017

Classification: Level 5/6 of the Community Sector Multiple Enterprise

Agreement 2014- 2018 (Australian Capital Territory) paid at

CLS5/6 of CCL’s salary scale

Salary range: $61 997.52 to $74 748.13 per annum dependent on

qualifications and experience.

Conditions of

Employment: As per the Community Sector Multiple Enterprise Agreement

2014-2018 (Australian Capital Territory)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: CCL’s office

Accountability: Street Law Solicitor reports to Street Law Supervising Solicitor

but is ultimately accountable to CCL’s Executive

Director/Principal Solicitor.

Approved: April 2016

1.0General

1.1Street Law is a specialist program of CCL which provides referral and targeted legal services to people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness through an outreach service delivery model. Street Law runs legal clinics at its host agency locations. The program also undertakes community legal education activities and law reform work.

1.2The position is required to work as a member of a team to further the objectives of Street Law as determined by CCL from time to time and operate within CCL’s policies and procedures including any specific to Street Law.

2.0 Legal Services and other general functions

2.1The position is a solicitor within the Street Law program and as such is generally responsible for:

  • Attending Street Law’s weekly outreach services on a roster basis;
  • Providing warm referrals, initial advice and ongoing casework assistance to clients accordance with Street Law’s legal practice guidelines;
  • Representing clients in Tribunal/Court matters as negotiated;
  • Ensuring accurate collection of client data and service provision;
  • Identifying advice and advocacy needs of Street Law’s client base;
  • Attending Street Law staff meetings and CCL Centre meetings;
  • Travel as required;
  • Undertaking community legal education training and activities as required;
  • Attending stakeholder forums and liaising with community organisations as required;
  • Working on law reform and community development projects as required;
  • Undertaking administrative tasks as necessary;
  • Other duties as reasonably directed by CCLs Co-ordinator/Principal Solicitor or Street Law’s Supervising Solicitor from time to time.

Selection Criteria

Essential

  1. Demonstrated understanding of the issues impacting on people who are experiencing homelessness and knowledge of the homelessness sector;
  2. Demonstrated commitment to social justice and human rights and capacity to advocate for and work effectively with disadvantaged clients in a generalist legal practice;
  3. Good organisational, time management and file management skills;
  4. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team under the supervision of the Street Law Supervising Solicitor and the ability to work with and supervise volunteers, students and secondees;
  5. High developed oral and written communication skills and ability to present information in a clear and concise manner and excellent computer skills;
  6. Holder of or eligible for a practising certificate in the ACT.
  7. Holder of or eligible to obtain a driver’s licence.

Desirable

  1. Experience working in a community based environment; and
  2. Knowledge of the ACT Legal Sector