Job Summary
- Melbourne CBD
- Immediate start
- $84,355 per annum + super
- Hybrid working model
- 12 months Fixed term
- Be a part of a feminist community organisation supporting Victorian women.
- A fantastic opportunity to build the role and make it your own.
- Your expertise will directly contribute to building a more gender-equitable society.
- A welcoming, passionate, and supportive work culture
- Competitive remuneration, bonus leave days, flexible work arrangements, salary packaging
Job Description
The Paralegal will provide high quality legalÌýassistanceÌýand support toÌýfacilitateÌýthe smooth operation of the Legal teams, and the delivery of its advice and services.ÌýÌýThe position isÌýrequiredÌýto support legal administration, documentÌýpreparation, caseworkÌýassistance, preparing briefs,Ìýconducting clientÌýintakeÌýand booking appointments,Ìýcompleting legal research tasks and providingÌýgeneral supportÌýto the team as required. This role will contribute to theÌýorganisation’sÌýstrategic advocacy priorities and outcomes.Ìý
Gender Specific Role
We are a women-only team and have an exception under the Equal Opportunity Act to employ only women.
About Women’s Legal Service Victoria
Women’s Legal Service Victoria (Women’s Legal) is a specialised and state-wide organisation providing services and support to women since 1982.ÌýInformed by our feminist practice, we improve the legal system for victim-survivors of family and sexual violence through our integrated legal service, capacity building,ÌýadvocacyÌýand law reform. Our vision is for women and non-binary people to live free from violence and discrimination in a genderÌýequitableÌýsociety.Ìý
ÌýWomen’s Legal is an employer of choice, providing an inclusive, flexible, and supportive environment for our staff to thrive. We welcome women across all career stages, and we recognise the many roles played by women in their families and communities. We are committed to supporting women’s participation in employment through building skills and knowledge for those looking for a change, and valuing the diverseÌýexpertiseÌýbrought into our organisation.ÌýÌý
Our culture
We’re continually building on our culture of inclusivity,ÌýcollaborationÌýand safety so our teams and individuals thrive.ÌýWe value diversity, buildÌýempathyÌýandÌýconsider impact toÌýfoster belongingÌýand
create equity.
Together, we are
Everyone who works at Women’s Legal playsÌýan important roleÌýin upholding our ethics outlined in the Code of Conduct and living our values.ÌýTogether, we are:ÌýÌýÌý
Inclusive:Ìý
We actively listen and ensure that marginalised voices are centred inÌýevery forum we create.ÌýÌý
- We ask about accessibility needs and adjust where possibleÌý
- We centre people’s input into things that affect themÌý
- We ask what voices are being heard, who holds power and create spaces to amplify marginalised voices.Ìý
Purposeful:Ìý
Our work leads us to achieve our strategy.ÌýÌýWe invest in learning and continuous improvement to achieve our impact.Ìý
- We are clear about the “why’ and prioritise actions that help us achieve our strategyÌý
- We are clear in our roles and responsibilities and take accountability for meeting these requirements.Ìý
- We use data, lived experience and professional judgement to make decisions that maximise impact.ÌýÌý
Courageous:ÌýÌý
We take the challenging path to learn,ÌýgrowÌýand achieve our strategy.Ìý
- We have challenging conversations to understand, find common ground, and promote change including with people in positions of powerÌý
- We are brave and challenge ourselves, even when it feels uncomfortableÌý
- We are committed to learning from our wobbles and using them as opportunities for growth.Ìý
Collaborative:Ìý
We value and actively foster involvement of a diversity of views,ÌýexperiencesÌýandÌýexpertiseÌýto work together to achieve better outcomes.Ìý
- We use open communication, clearÌýprocessesÌýand dedicated time to build collaborative and trusting working relationshipsÌý
- We consider the power, roles,ÌýstylesÌýand needs of those involved in collaborationÌý
- We are generous in sharing successes and learnings, acknowledging everyone’s efforts and contributions.Ìý
Authentic:ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
We are honest and accountable.ÌýÌýWeÌýseekÌýto learn from our successes and failuresÌý
- We are honest about our capacity, skills and knowledge and are open to receiving feedbackÌý
- We do what we say we will do and take accountability for our actionsÌý
- We ask for help when we need itÌý
Your new role
- Deliver high-quality paralegal support to lawyers, including drafting legal documents, preparing
court materials, and compiling briefs
- Manage client intake processes, including conducting detailed assessments, conflict checks, and booking legal advice appointments
- Act as a first point of contact for clients via phone, email and in person, providing professional
and compassionate communication
- Support casework by organising files, managing evidence, and assisting lawyers throughout the lifecycle of matters
- Conduct legal and non-legal research to support case preparation and inform decision-making
- Prepare and submit applications, including grants of legal aid, with a high level of accuracy and
attention to detail
- Maintain accurate client records and perform data entry and quality assurance to ensure integrity of legal information
- Connect clients to appropriate legal and community services, providing referrals where assistance cannot be offered
- Identify and respond appropriately to high-risk or urgent client situations, escalating where
required
- Provide administrative and operational support to the legal team, contributing to
efficient service delivery and organisational priorities
What you’ll need to succeed
- High levelÌýoral and written communication skills, withÌýdemonstratedÌýability to communicate effectively with staff, clients, externalÌýstakeholdersÌýandÌýorganisations
- Demonstrated ability to utilise a trauma-informed and culturally safe approach to supportÌýclients
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks whilstÌýmaintainingÌýqualityÌýoutcomesÌýÌý
- Fine-tuned research skills, with a solution focused and resourcefulÌýapproachÌýÌý
- Strong document management skills with a keen eye for detail andÌýaccuracyÌý
- Capacity to exercise sound judgement in dealing with sensitive, confidential mattersÌý
- Demonstrated ability to be flexible, particularly whilst working in an environment of change
- Experience in providing paralegal support, orÌýsimilar
- Certificate IV in LegalÌýServices
- Experience workingÌýinÌýa community legal centreÌýor law firm; andÌýexperience working in family law, family violence, migrationÌýlawÌýand crime.Ìý
What you’ll get in return
In return for your dedication, we offer competitive remuneration, 5 weeks annual leave, flexible work arrangements, salary packaging, and a vibrant, supportive work culture.
The detail
- Above-award remuneration
- 5 weeks annual leave
- A strong commitment to your professional development, personal development, and wellbeing
- A very flexible working environment that supports work-life balance
- A hybrid working model that supports both in-office and work-from-home arrangements
- Salary packaging (which can add up to $15,900 in tax-free pay every year)
- Fresh fruit available in the office
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program
To Apply
Submit a resume and covering letter to tell us how you are the right candidate for this role and address how you align to Women’s Legal values and the essential criteria, that are listed above.
See the Women’s Legal ‘Work with Us’ page for a full position description. Any other enquiries can be emailed to Jo Scollo, People & Culture Officer atÌýhr@womenslegal.org.au, using the subject line:ÌýParalegal enquiry via EthicalJobs.