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SalaryThe New South Wales Bar Association is a professional association for practising barristers and associate members, such as clerks and judges. We promote the public good in relation to justice and the provision of legal services. This is achieved by promoting and maintaining the highest standards of excellence among local practising barristers.
The Bar Council is the Association’s governing body, comprised of 21 barristers elected by the membership. The Bar Council is the designated local regulatory authority for a range of functions under the Legal Profession Uniform Law. The Bar Council is assisted by specialist committees comprised of barrister-volunteers, who offer their skills and expertise for the benefit of the public and the profession. Committees regularly advise and assist the Bar Council in matters of law reform and public affairs, including responding to matters of public policy and the administration of justice.
About the Role
The New South Wales Bar Association is committed to Reconciliation and to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
This is an identified position, for which an exemption under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 has been granted. Applications will only be accepted from First Nations people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.
We are offering 2 part-time (2 days per week) opportunities for First Nations students who are within the final 2 years of their legal studies i.e. LLB or Juris Doctor. The role sits within the New South Wales Bar Association’s Legal Assistance Referral Scheme (LARS). Maximum term for this position is 2 years.
The successful applicant will be supervised by the Managing Solicitor of LARS and supported to complete the work experience component of their Practical Legal Training (PLT). They will have full access to the Bar Association’s CPD program while employed by the Association. PLT related course fees up to a maximum amount of $12,000.00 are included in the employment package, which will be payable upon successful completion of the coursework component. This is an exceptional learning opportunity for a First Nations law student who is considering a career at the Bar.
The Legal Assistance Referral Scheme (LARS) facilitates requests for pro bono assistance from the Legal Assistance sector or directly from Judges or Tribunal Members. Unrepresented litigants are then referred to a barrister for advice, assistance and representation. Barristers who accept referrals provide an essential service to the Courts and to the community. We also oversee the Duty Barrister Scheme, which helps unrepresented litigants in criminal and civil proceedings in the Local Court.
With training, the paralegal’s primary responsibilities will involve the assessment and processing of all LARS requests for assistance and referrals. LARS provides assistance in Criminal, Civil, Family Law, Environmental and Administrative proceedings. Paralegals will gain experience in diverse areas of law
The role will provide a variety of opportunities for professional development and an insight into practice at the NSW Bar.
Responsibilities include: * Assist in reviewing and assessing applications for Legal Assistance
- Perform conflict checks for all parties seeking assistance through LARS
- Conduct research and information gathering in relation to LARS files
- Drafting correspondence with clients and barristers
- Preparing brief materials
- Evaluating the outcome of the Scheme referrals
- Attending the Duty Barrister Offices to provide administrative and paralegal support
- Attending to other general administrative tasks
- Other duties as required by the Executive Director and the Managing Solicitor, Legal Assistance
- Aboriginality, as demonstrated by a certificate of Aboriginality or by a letter of support from an Elder in their community
- Effective research and analytical skills.
- Good communication and organisational skills and an ability to work collaboratively.
- A commitment to high work standards and strong attention to detail.
- Ability to meet deadlines and ensure tasks are completed on time.
- Ability to work in a small team environment.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Relevant experience in a Paralegal or other legal role is desirable but not essential.
The New South Wales Bar Association supports flexible working practices. We are located in the CBD and work from home for part of the week.
It is envisaged that the position will commence in January/February 2024. We will consider a flexible start date and work arrangement for this position, depending upon the needs of the successful candidate.
If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, please send your CV, a cover letter of no more than 1500 words providing details of your relevant experience and a response to the targeted questions and the details of two referees to Ms Anita Gargiulo, Managing Solicitor. Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 14 January 2024. Please note strong candidates will be interviewed prior to the close of applications. Early applications are encouraged.
All other enquiries are very welcome and may be directed to , using the subject line: Paralegal - Legal Assistance Referral Scheme enquiry via EthicalJobs.
The New South Wales Bar Association (Association) values your privacy and is committed to handling personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Any personal information that you provide during the recruitment process is collected by the Association for the purpose of considering your application for employment. This may include using and disclosing your personal information (and that of any referees or others mentioned in your application) to conduct reference or other pre-employment checks. If you choose not to provide your personal information to us, we may not be able to process your application.
For further information on how the Association collects, stores, uses and discloses personal information, and how an individual may obtain access to and where necessary correct their personal information, please see the Association’s . The Policy also contains information about how you can complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles and how the Association will deal with any such complaint.
By submitting an application for this role, you are consenting to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information as described above.
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