What Do They Do

A volunteer solicitor's major responsibility is to provide legal advice and information to clients of Redfern Legal Centre in face-to-face and telephone interviews. The position's duties include:

• Staffing a telephone and face-to-face advice shift on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
• Interviewing and providing advice.
• Accurately recording advice given on advice forms.
• Advising clients of limitations dates when applicable.
• Accurately obtaining and recording statistical information from clients.
• Following PII requirements.

When can you volunteer?

Solicitors may apply for a position in one of four legal areas, in accordance with their experience and interests. Applications must specify in their cover letter or cover email one of the following areas:

1. Police powers, government accountability and administrative law (Monday evenings, 6:30 - 9:00pm)
2. Employment and discrimination law (Tuesday evenings, 6:30 - 9:00pm)
3. International Student Advice Service (generalist service covering tenancy, employment, fines, debts, complaints about education providers etc) (Wednesday evenings, 6:30 - 9:00pm)
4. Credit, debt and consumer law (Thursday evenings, 6:30 - 9:00pm)

What Level of Commitment is Required?

RLC requires solicitors to volunteer on one evening client advice shift on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

What are the requirements?

Volunteer Solicitors need to have:-

1. A current NSW practicing certificate; and

2. 12 months post admission experience or a demonstrated capacity to provide legal services in a busy community legal practice.

Personal qualities needed by a volunteer solicitor include:

• A high level of communication skills.
• A high level of self-motivation.
• Whilst under supervision, an ability to provide accurate advice over the phone and in face to face interviews.
• An ability to work as part of a team.
• A capacity to be accountable to RLC policies and procedures.
• Sensitivity to different political / cultural / ethnic backgrounds and a respect for multiculturalism and diversity

Intake process

Applications are accepted all year round.

Become a Volunteer Solicitor

Applicants will need to download, complete and sign:

1. Application for volunteer solicitor position form
2. Volunteer's assignment of rights and confidentiality deed

Applications should be sent with a current CV to the Communication & Volunteer Manager at recruitment@rlc.org.au

Downloads:

Download both of the files in either MS Word or Adobe PDF form by clicking the appropriate links below.

	Application Form (.pdf) Confidentiality Deed (.pdf)
	Application Form (.doc) Confidentiality Deed (.doc)

Training

Volunteer solicitors are encouraged to attend training workshops organised by the Centre and other community legal centres regarding a variety of practice areas and issues.

Training workshops are free of charge and can count towards continuing legal education requirements.