- Location: Sydney CBD
- Term: 12 months with potential extension
- Full-time – 37.5 hours per week (0.8FTE will be considered)
- Remuneration: SCHADS Level 5 – 6: FTE $88-102k + 10.5% super + 17.5% Annual Leave Loading
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are particularly encouraged to apply
Job title: Solicitor / Senior Solicitor – Citizen Representation Program
Reporting to: Managing Lawyer – Citizen Representation Program
Fantastic opportunity for a criminal lawyer to join our Citizen Representation Program (CRP), providing specialist legal advice and information about the laws that regulate protest activities concerning the environment and legal representation to those who have been charged with criminal offences arising from their participation in such activities.
Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is the largest environmental legal centre in the Australia-Pacific, dedicated to protecting our climate, communities and shared environment by providing access to justice, running ground-breaking litigation and leading law reform advocacy.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a criminal lawyer to join our Citizen Representation Program (CRP). The CRP provides specialist legal advice and information about the laws that regulate protest activities concerning the environment. In addition, the CRP provides legal representation to those who have been charged with criminal offences arising from their participation in such activities.
This is a unique opportunity to join the EDO in a period of growth and rapid expansion. While the position itself is Sydney-based there will be numerous opportunities to travel to, and practice in, other jurisdictions throughout Australia.
Candidate Profile
You will have an unrestricted practising certificate, or be eligible to hold one, with direct experience working in an area of direct relevance to the CRP. Forming part of the Systemic Change Program, this position represents an opportunity to deliver on human rights and the promotion of democracy in each jurisdiction, and offers a high level of autonomy. Lawyers who think outside the box and want a chance to think creatively about delivering systemic change are strongly encouraged to apply. This position would be ideal for a lawyer with experience as a duty solicitor looking to consolidate and expand their skills.
EDO is a diverse and inclusive workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are particularly encouraged to apply.
The position is for an initial period of 12 months with an option to renew subject to funding.
Key selection criteria.
Core skills
- An unrestricted practicing certificate or entitlement to same
- A minimum of 2 years PAE working as a solicitor including litigation, 4 + years PAE highly desirable
- Demonstrated experience in criminal law, with a particular emphasis on advocacy in court
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound judgements and decisions based on consideration of different views
- Demonstrated ability to work productively and to deadlines
- Excellent oral and written communication skills suited to a range of audiences
Substantive experience
- Demonstrated litigation experience in criminal law and/or related disciplines
- Capacity to undertake law reform or policy, experience desirable
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and individuals highly desirable
Personal qualities and cultural competency
- A champion of the agreed values of the EDO
- Strong initiative and self-motivation
- Commitment to the protection of the environment and to democracy
- A strong sense of ethics and understanding of professional obligations
- Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations in both the delivery of our work and our internal culture
- Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment.
NOTE: Travel is an essential part of this role.
OUR CULTURE AND BENEFITS
- We care deeply about creating a workplace where our team members feel valued, respected and empowered. We are committed to providing equal opportunity regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or life stage.
- The chance to be part of the largest environmental legal practice in the Australia-Pacific.
- A very flexible and family-friendly workplace.
- Option to work from home and the office.
- Paid Parental Leave.
- 15 Days Personal/carer’s leave.
- Extra leave over the Christmas period.
- Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- EDO proudly has a JEDI (Justice, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion), and a Mental Health Ambassador Committee, and has developed a First Nations Program with the aid of indigenous-led consultancies.
OUR VALUES:
Commitment – We are committed to; a united organisation, to each other, to collaboration, to justice, to our communities and to creating a world where nature thrives.
Diversity – We are respectful of and welcome diversity of staff, volunteers, offices, environmental regions, communities, stakeholders.
Integrity – We work effectively, efficiently, strategically, professionally, and ethically; “justice is in our nature”.
Vision – We lead change and environmental empowerment using innovation, creativity, and courage.
All offers of employment may be subject to satisfactory background checks including a National Police Check, disclosure of previous or current disciplinary action, referee checks, proof of eligibility to work in Australia and qualification checks.
EDO welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, workers of all ages, people with disabilities and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Applications must include a CV and a letter that clearly addresses each of the selection criteria.
Applications which do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.
Applications close on Tuesday August 2. Applications should be emailed to [email protected] with “Solicitor – CR Program” in the subject line.
