PLT Placements (Volunteers) – expressions of interest all practice areas

Applications will be placed on a register. We will contact you should a suitable opportunity arise.

RLC works to redress inequalities in the legal system that adversely and disproportionately affect people experiencing vulnerability. The Centre pursues social change and law reform to reduce these inequalities. 

Our legal services include employment law, tenancy, credit and debt, financial abuse, police accountability and government administration, a health justice partnership and an international student legal service. Read more about our services here. 

Position description

Responsibilities include client intake, file review, general administration, research, legal drafting, interviewing clients, drafting content for submissions, articles and e-bulletins, and follow-up on client matters, under supervision of the practice solicitor.   

Essential selection criteria

1. Completion of law degree and eligibility to commence Practical Legal Training. (Availability to work 75 days preferred).
2. Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to social justice
3. Demonstrated experience in administration and/or customer service
4. Strong understanding of ethical practice issues affecting community legal centres, including confidentiality and conflict of interest
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
7. Demonstrated knowledge of issues affecting RLC’s client groups and an interest in the legal areas RLC works within. 

Desirable

1. Ability to speak a relevant community language
2. Previous front desk experience at Redfern Legal Centre will be highly regarded.

Additional selection criteria (by practice area)

Financial Abuse Service NSW

• Available 2-3 days per week, including a) Mondays and Tuesdays or b) Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

Health Justice Partnership

• An appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Credit and debt

• Available 2-3 days per week, including Thursdays from 2pm – 9pm.

Police accountability and government admin law

• Available 2-3 days per week, including Mondays from 2pm – 9pm.
• Interest and/or experience with criminal law would be of value.

International Student Legal Service NSW

• Available 2-3 days per week, including Wednesdays from 2pm – 9pm.
• Current or former international student preferred.

Employment law

• Available 2-3 days per week, including Tuesdays from 2pm – 9pm.

Tenancy

• N/A  
   

To Apply

Applicants must complete the online application form, ticking the ‘PLT - UNSW’ checkbox, and uploading the following documents in PDF format: 

1. A cover letter addressing each of the essential and additional selection criteria using separate numbered headings, and detailing:

   a) your availability (2-3 days per week)
   b) your desired minimum length of commitment (e.g. 75 days)
   c) Your preferred RLC practice area/s (select one or two), stating your interest and experience in the area/s you nominate. Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

2. A CV including contact details, education, relevant experience and two or three referees (include names, addresses and contact details).
    
3. A copy of your academic transcript.

If you have any queries or need help lodging your online application, email RLC Communications and Volunteer Manager Finn O’Keefe at finn@rlc.org.au.