CHAPTER II: COMMUNITIES & NGOs

Careers in Community Organisations & NGOs

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are independent NGOs that provide free legal services, typically to disadvantaged people. CLCs can be generalist and service a particular catchment (for example, Kingsford Legal Centre services people who live in the Randwick and Botany Bay local government areas). CLCs can also be specialist, and offer state-wide or nation-wide services for certain groups of people (for example, Aboriginal Legal Service provides services to indigenous people living anywhere in NSW or the ACT).

CLCs sometimes receive government funding or grants, but largely rely on donors. They hence have limited resources and often have very strict eligibility criteria for clients. For example, most CLCs will not offer employment law advice to people with a salary of $80 000 per year or more.

The services that a CLC provides varies depending on the capacity of the Centre, but generally includes legal advice, legal referrals, legal representation, community education and law reform and policy work.

NGOs is a broad term that encompasses a number of social justice organisations, including CLCs. Other organisations we have included in this Guide include law-specific NGOs (such as the Australian Pro Bono Centre), or NGOs that have an established legal department (such as Cancer Council).

Opportunities for students and graduates

Due to limited resources, CLCs rely on volunteers to carry out their work. Most CLCs offer volunteering opportunities to students who are still studying. This can include administrative work, client interviewing, drafting legal advice and legal research. Most CLCs also offer work experience for PLT students. This is usually unpaid, and involves working more closely with solicitors on casework, representing clients and providing legal advice.

Many NGOs also offer internships to students. Note that these are generally unpaid as well.

The application process for CLCs and NGOs typically involves submitting a CV and cover letter, and completing an interview. You may also be asked to complete a written task to demonstrate your skills.