Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC

About

The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) is an independent statutory authority, which functions to conduct inquiries on behalf of the federal AttorneyGeneral. The ALRC undertakes research and provides recommendations for law reform. As an independent body, the ALRC is within the Attorney-General’s portfolio but simultaneously independent of government and thus able to undertake research, consultations, legal policy development and make recommendations on its own authority. ALRC recommendations do not automatically become law, however over 85 per cent of ALRC reports have been either substantially or partially implemented— making the ALRC one of the most effective and influential agents for legal reform in Australia.

What kind of work?

Employees work as policy advisors, undertaking multiple research inquiries as per the needs of the ALRC. This involves: - Bringing the law into line with current conditions and needs - Removing defects in the law - Simplifying the law - Adopting new or effective methods for administering the law and dispensing justice - Providing access to justice

Location

Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane

Student Opportunities

The ALRC provides opportunities for penultimate and final-year law students to work with Commission members and legal staff as a voluntary legal intern. Based in Sydney, internships with the ALRC can be structured as either: - One day per week for a semester, or - Three weeks during January/ February of the university summer break

Interns will assist with current inquiries through research and policy drafting.

Graduate Opportunities

The ALRC does not have a formal graduate program. However, they do maintain a register of potential employees for short-term employment of up to 12 months. To be considered for a vacancy, you must hold a law degree and have experience in policy develpment and/or law reform. All positions are based in Brisbane. You can find more information here: https://www.alrc.gov.au/about/careers/

Fun Fact / Recent Project

Review of Judicial Impartiality The ALRC has recently been asked to undertake a review of the laws relating to impartiality and bias as they apply to the federal judiciary. In particular, the ALRC has been asked to consider: - Whether the law about actual or apprehended bias relating to judicial decision-making is appropriate and sufficient to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice; - Whether the law provides enough clarity to decisionmakers, the legal profession and the community about how to manage potential conflicts and perceptions of partiality; and - Whether current mechanisms for raising allegations of actual or apprehended bias, and deciding those allegations, are sufficient and appropriate (including in relation to review and appeal mechanisms).