Paralegal

Job Summary

• Melbourne CBD
• Immediate start
• $84,355 per annum + super
• Hybrid working model
• 12 months Fixed term
• Be a part of a feminist community organisation supporting Victorian women.
• A fantastic opportunity to build the role and make it your own.
• Your expertise will directly contribute to building a more gender-equitable society.
• A welcoming, passionate, and supportive work culture
• Competitive remuneration, bonus leave days, flexible work arrangements, salary packaging

Job Description

The Paralegal will provide high quality legal assistance and support to facilitate the smooth operation of the Legal teams, and the delivery of its advice and services.  The position is required to support legal administration, document preparation, casework assistance, preparing briefs, conducting client intake and booking appointments, completing legal research tasks and providing general support to the team as required. This role will contribute to the organisation’s strategic advocacy priorities and outcomes. 

Gender Specific Role

We are a women-only team and have an exception under the Equal Opportunity Act to employ only women.

About Women’s Legal Service Victoria

Women’s Legal Service Victoria (Women’s Legal) is a specialised and state-wide organisation providing services and support to women since 1982. Informed by our feminist practice, we improve the legal system for victim-survivors of family and sexual violence through our integrated legal service, capacity building, advocacy and law reform. Our vision is for women and non-binary people to live free from violence and discrimination in a gender equitable society. 

 Women’s Legal is an employer of choice, providing an inclusive, flexible, and supportive environment for our staff to thrive. We welcome women across all career stages, and we recognise the many roles played by women in their families and communities. We are committed to supporting women’s participation in employment through building skills and knowledge for those looking for a change, and valuing the diverse expertise brought into our organisation.  

Our culture

We’re continually building on our culture of inclusivity, collaboration and safety so our teams and individuals thrive. We value diversity, build empathy and consider impact to foster belonging and

create equity.

Together, we are

Everyone who works at Women’s Legal plays an important role in upholding our ethics outlined in the Code of Conduct and living our values. Together, we are:   

Inclusive: 

We actively listen and ensure that marginalised voices are centred in every forum we create.  

• We ask about accessibility needs and adjust where possible 
• We centre people’s input into things that affect them 
• We ask what voices are being heard, who holds power and create spaces to amplify marginalised voices. 

Purposeful: 

Our work leads us to achieve our strategy.  We invest in learning and continuous improvement to achieve our impact. 

• We are clear about the “why’ and prioritise actions that help us achieve our strategy 
• We are clear in our roles and responsibilities and take accountability for meeting these requirements. 
• We use data, lived experience and professional judgement to make decisions that maximise impact.  

Courageous:  

We take the challenging path to learn, grow and achieve our strategy. 

• We have challenging conversations to understand, find common ground, and promote change including with people in positions of power 
• We are brave and challenge ourselves, even when it feels uncomfortable 
• We are committed to learning from our wobbles and using them as opportunities for growth. 

Collaborative: 

We value and actively foster involvement of a diversity of views, experiences and expertise to work together to achieve better outcomes. 

• We use open communication, clear processes and dedicated time to build collaborative and trusting working relationships 
• We consider the power, roles, styles and needs of those involved in collaboration 
• We are generous in sharing successes and learnings, acknowledging everyone’s efforts and contributions. 

Authentic:         

We are honest and accountable.  We seek to learn from our successes and failures 

• We are honest about our capacity, skills and knowledge and are open to receiving feedback 
• We do what we say we will do and take accountability for our actions 
• We ask for help when we need it 

Your new role

• Deliver high-quality paralegal support to lawyers, including drafting legal documents, preparing court materials, and compiling briefs
• Manage client intake processes, including conducting detailed assessments, conflict checks, and booking legal advice appointments
• Act as a first point of contact for clients via phone, email and in person, providing professional and compassionate communication
• Support casework by organising files, managing evidence, and assisting lawyers throughout the lifecycle of matters
• Conduct legal and non-legal research to support case preparation and inform decision-making
• Prepare and submit applications, including grants of legal aid, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Maintain accurate client records and perform data entry and quality assurance to ensure integrity of legal information
• Connect clients to appropriate legal and community services, providing referrals where assistance cannot be offered
• Identify and respond appropriately to high-risk or urgent client situations, escalating where required
• Provide administrative and operational support to the legal team, contributing to efficient service delivery and organisational priorities

What you’ll need to succeed

• High level oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with staff, clients, external stakeholders and organisations
• Demonstrated ability to utilise a trauma-informed and culturally safe approach to support clients
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks whilst maintaining quality outcomes  
• Fine-tuned research skills, with a solution focused and resourceful approach  
• Strong document management skills with a keen eye for detail and accuracy 
• Capacity to exercise sound judgement in dealing with sensitive, confidential matters 
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible, particularly whilst working in an environment of change
• Experience in providing paralegal support, or similar
• Certificate IV in Legal Services
• Experience working in a community legal centre or law firm; and experience working in family law, family violence, migration law and crime. 

What you’ll get in return

In return for your dedication, we offer competitive remuneration, 5 weeks annual leave, flexible work arrangements, salary packaging, and a vibrant, supportive work culture.

The detail

• Above-award remuneration
• 5 weeks annual leave
• A strong commitment to your professional development, personal development, and wellbeing
• A very flexible working environment that supports work-life balance
• A hybrid working model that supports both in-office and work-from-home arrangements
• Salary packaging (which can add up to $15,900 in tax-free pay every year)
• Fresh fruit available in the office
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program

To Apply

Submit a resume and covering letter to tell us how you are the right candidate for this role and address how you align to Women’s Legal values and the essential criteria, that are listed above.

See the Women’s Legal ‘Work with Us’ page for a full position description. Any other enquiries can be emailed to Jo Scollo, People & Culture Officer at hr@womenslegal.org.au, using the subject line: Paralegal enquiry via EthicalJobs.