At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a unique program supporting social justice for disadvantaged youth while gaining practical legal experience.
- Company: The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre and Justice and Equity Centre, leaders in social justice advocacy.
- Benefits: Paid training, flexible work options, and a structured two-year program tailored for your growth.
- Other info: Identified position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates; excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while kickstarting your legal career.
- Qualifications: Must be completing or have completed an LLB or JD by early 2027, with a passion for justice.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 $ per year.
The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre (The Shopfront) and the Justice and Equity Centre (JEC) have partnered to provide this unique opportunity to lay the foundations for your legal career. The Shopfront provides free legal advice and assistance for homeless and disadvantaged young people aged 25 years and younger. It is a pro bono project of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, in partnership with Mission Australia and The Salvation Army. The Justice and Equity Centre (formerly the Public Interest Advocacy Centre) is a leading social justice law and policy centre. We build a fairer, stronger society by helping to change laws, policies and practices that cause injustice and inequality.
Structured 2-year program for law graduates:
- Paid Practical Legal Training and financial support
- Sydney, CBD location, with some flexible/remote work supported
- Identified position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
The program runs for a total of two years, in two phases. It can be tailored to suit the requirements of the different Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP, or equivalent qualification) course structures on offer. In phase one you will be supported to achieve admission as a lawyer in NSW, while working part time in a paralegal role at The Shopfront and the JEC. In phase two you will be employed full time as a solicitor, providing individual casework assistance to clients of The Shopfront (primarily focused on criminal law), and then working at the JEC on strategic litigation and policy responses to issues arising in that casework.
About you:
Suitable candidates will be able to demonstrate commitment to social and criminal justice and have completed, or are completing in 2026/early 2027, an LLB or JD law degree in Australia, with capacity to:
- Manage competing demands and deliver high-quality results on time
- Undertake detailed legal research with meticulous writing skills
- Achieve outcomes individually and within a team
- Engage in a way that promotes fairness and equity
This position is intended as a special measure for the purposes of s 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975(Cth) and the subject of an exemption granted under s 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977(NSW). Please note the application close date is as advertised, and anticipated commencement for this role is early June 2027.
The National Indigenous Times acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation. We recognise Aboriginal Community's continuing connection to their lands, waters and stories and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.
Law Graduate – First Nations Social Justice Graduate Program in Sydney employer: NIT
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