Job/volunteer opportunities
CCL offers rewarding job opportunities and attractive employment conditions including salary packaging together with flexible and family friendly work practices.
We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply.
Job opportunities
Canberra Community Law is Recruiting
We are looking for a Litigation Solicitor to join our ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) Duty Lawyer service. This position would ideally suit a Graduate or Junior solicitor. Please download the PDF for more detail about Canberra Community Law, the position, and our employment conditions.
Applications close – Monday 13 January 2025.
Contact for Position Enquiries – Genevieve Bolton, Executive Director/Principal Solicitor, (02) 6218 7922 or via email at gbolton@canberracommunitylaw.org.au
Volunteer Opportunities
Canberra Community Law Volunteer Paralegal Program
Canberra Community Law has a volunteer paralegal program open to students who are interested in contributing to the work undertaken by the centre. The volunteer paralegal program provides an opportunity for law students to:
- contribute to the day-to-day operations of Canberra Community Law through practical support
- apply and enhance their skills in a client-facing setting
- receive supervision and mentorship from the Canberra Community Law administration team
- access Canberra Community Law’s internal professional development program
Paralegals are required to commit to a minimum of one half-day per week, in-person, for a minimum of one semester (or equivalent duration). After this period, paralegals may apply to work under the direct supervision of a Canberra Community Law solicitor to complete legal work.
Key paralegal duties include:
- Completing client intake processes
- Client data entry
- Working with other organisations to facilitate referrals
- Answering phone calls
- Other administrative tasks to assist with the day-to-day operation of the centre.
Application process and selection criteria
To apply for the Canberra Community Law Volunteer Paralegal Program, please email your application to info@canberracommunitylaw.org.au.
To be considered for the program, you must include the following in your application.
- Demonstrate how you meet the following selection criteria in your cover letter.
Essential criteria
- Administrative and organisational skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to think critically and problem-solve
- An interest in social justice
Desirable criteria
- Experience working with clients including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
- Experience working in a legal and/or community service environment
- Experience in reception/administration
- Experience in customer service
- Include the following information in your résumé or attached documents.
- Current year, degree, and institution
- Current Working With Vulnerable People card or application (if available). Please note: successful applicants will require a WWVP card prior to interacting with clients. It is recommended that applicants without one apply as soon as possible, as there have been significant delays in processing these.
If you progress to the interview stage we will require two referees, including your current or most recent work supervisor.
We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and LGBTQIA+ people.
Please note that applications that do not address all selection criteria and provide the requested documentation will not be considered.
If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Carroll at info@canberracommunitylaw.org.au.
Night Time Legal Advice Service
Our volunteer team is currently at capacity.
The Night Time Legal Advice Service (NTLAS) runs every Tuesday night from 6pm to 8pm all year (except December and January). NTLAS is supervised by a solicitor employed by Canberra Community Law, provided by a committed group of volunteer solicitors and law students.
Volunteers contribute to NTLAS’ work in two main areas:
- Taking client instructions and providing advice; and
- Undertaking research.
To find out more about the Night Time Legal Advice Service click here
Before volunteering for the service, every volunteer must participate in an induction session at Canberra Community Law.
Other Opportunities
If you would like more information about volunteering opportunities at other Community Legal Centres in the ACT you can go to the Community Legal Centres Australia’s website at https://clcs.org.au/legal-help/.
Canberra Community Law
- Pro Bono Work
There are a range of pro bono opportunities to assist Canberra Community Law and our clients. We welcome the support of barristers and law firms. Please contact us to discuss your interests and the needs of our clients. - Secondments
Canberra Community Law welcomes the opportunity to host staff on secondment and has experience in arrangements with law firms to host solicitors under agreement. Please contact us to discuss secondment opportunities. - Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice Placements
Canberra Community Law can host Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) students on a limited basis. If you are interested in undertaking a GDLP placement with Canberra Community Law please email a copy of your CV and details of your placement preferences (number of total placement days and days per week that you are available) to info@canberracommunitylaw.org.au. Your name will be placed on a waiting list for our next induction session. Due to the number of applications received, Canberra Community Law will only be in contact with you if you are selected to participate.