Legal Aid WA

LEGAL AID WESTERN AUSTRALIA

32 St Georges Tce, Perth, as well as offices in regional centres legalaid.wa.gov.au human.positions@ legalaid.wa.gov.au

What is the focus of Legal Aid? Legal Aid WA is an independent statutory body set up by the Legal Aid Commission Act 1976. Our purpose is to provide quality legal assistance to those in need and promote community access to justice.

What kind of work do employees at Legal Aid do? Graduate lawyers provide a range of services in the areas of family, criminal and civil law including duty lawyer services, legal advice and minor assistance, court representation, alternative dispute resolution, community legal education and community outreach. Working for Legal Aid WA means making a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged people in our community.

What qualities does Legal Aid look for in graduates? • Strong genuine desire to serve the community, especially those who are socially and economically disadvantaged, and a demonstrated commitment to social justice. •Experience with our client group which includes children,

Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander people, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with disabilities and people with

mental illnesses or impairments. •An ability to show empathy and sensitivity. •A commitment to the type of work we do. This includes studying units at university that reflect your interest in legal aid work, such as family law, criminal justice or dispute resolution. •Excellent written and oral communication skills. Legal Aid WA is committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce to better meet the differing needs of our clients and to improve equal opportunity for our employees. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, young people, women and people with disabilities.

Does Legal Aid offer any opportunities to students? Legal Aid WA offers a limited number of unpaid internships for final year law students through our Voluntary Intern Placement (VIP) Program. Recruitment for the program occurs annually in accordance with the university recommended recruitment dates and is via the WA Government Jobs Board website. Legal Aid WA also offers some placements to students through the various university internship programs. These opportunities are by agreement between the university and Legal Aid WA. Students may also be interested in applying for paid employment on Legal Aid WA’s Infoline.

Does Legal Aid offer opportunities for graduates? Legal Aid WA has limited opportunities for law graduates to undertake their practical work experience hours with us, as part of their enrolment in an approved practical legal training course. Work experience is on a voluntary basis and is not paid. These opportunities are advertised annually or bi-annually. Law graduates who have completed their practical legal training requirements and are eligible for admission or have recently been admitted to practice can apply for Legal Aid WA’s Graduate Lawyer Program. Employment is for a fixed term of two years, usually commencing on 1 July. Other opportunities for admitted lawyers to join Legal Aid WA in entry level positions arise from time-to-time. Recruitment for all opportunities is via the WA Government Jobs Board website. More information about volunteer and employment opportunities at Legal Aid WA can be found on the website: legalaid. wa.gov.au/about-us/careers.