2021 AGS/Public Interest Advocacy Centre- Indigenous Secondee Lawyer/Law Graduate

1. Employment status

This position will be a pro bono secondment arrangement between AGS and PIAC. You will be employed directly by AGS (a group within the Attorney-General's Department) and will be reporting to the AGS National Manager Pro Bono Services. You will also attend AGS for training and other events from time-to-time.

2. Position overview

You will work at PIAC advising clients primarily through PIAC's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Program and Homeless Persons' Legal Service (HPLS). You will also have opportunities to undertake related policy development work and strategic litigation.

You will be accountable to PIAC's Principal Solicitor, with day-to-day supervision and mentoring from other Senior Solicitors at PIAC.

Because you will be employed by AGS, certain restrictions will apply to the work you can do at PIAC to avoid conflicts of interest.

3. Major accountabilities

There is some flexibility in the position, and the focus of your work may vary according to your interests and the needs of PIAC. For example, there is scope to work in other practice areas of the strategic litigation team. As a guide, it is expected you will:

• Undertake legal casework on behalf of HPLS and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Program clients, under the supervision of the relevant Senior Solicitor and Principal Solicitor;
• Assist the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice team to develop relationships throughout NSW, encouraging referrals to PIAC and identifying public interest issues for strategic litigation;
• Support the HPLS Senior Solicitor to undertake case work;
• Develop responses to policy issues, including by assisting to draft submissions, reports and articles;
• Help deliver PIAC's Training and Community Legal Education Program, including by preparing resources and training materials; and
• Report to the AGS National Manager, Pro Bono Services on issues relating to the secondment.

4. Training and mentoring

The Graduate/Lawyer will have the opportunity to participate in training and development provided by AGS. The Lawyer will also be able to participate in all training offered to PIAC and HPLS solicitors.

The Graduate/Lawyer will have access to an internal mentor (at PIAC or the AGS) and an external mentor (an Aboriginal or Torres Strait person in the community legal sector).

5. Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

• This position is open only to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people and is intended by AGS and PIAC as a special measure to promote substantive equality.
• Completed an LLB or JD law degree in Australia;
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing demands and deliver high-quality results on time;
• Legal advocacy and writing skills;
• Demonstrated ability to achieve outcomes individually and/or in a team environment; and
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to form relationships with stakeholders.
• Desirable
• Admitted or eligible for admission as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW;
• At least one year's experience (pre- or post-graduation) in areas relevant to PIAC's legal practice.