Lawyer - Pro Bono

We are currently seeking a lawyer with 1-3 years' PAE to join the Pro Bono team as a secondee to Canberra Community Law.

Thomsons is a leading national law firm with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra. The firm has approximately 900 partners and staff nationally, and offers a dynamic, friendly and professional work environment. We are passionate about constantly providing value to our clients - their success is our priority. This focus on client value is a key reason for our success. At Thomsons, we are looking for candidates who are client focused, commercially minded, and who work well in a team environment.



 



 
The role



 
Thomsons, in partnership with Canberra Community Law (CCL), is seeking a full-time pro bono lawyer with 1-3 years' post-admission experience to support the Dhurrawang Aboriginal Human Rights Program.



 
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a First Nations-led service that is making a meaningful difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT. The successful candidate will be employed by Thomsons Lawyers and seconded to CCL to work within the Dhurrawang program, supporting a practice grounded in human rights, access to justice and community-centred advocacy. 



 
The Dhurrawang Aboriginal Human Rights Program provides free legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT. The program focuses on housing, Centrelink and racial discrimination matters, and works alongside clients in a way that is culturally safe, respectful and responsive to community need. 



 



 
About you



 
You will bring sound legal skills, a genuine commitment to social justice, and a demonstrated understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. You will be someone who values working closely and collaboratively with clients in a way that is respectful, thoughtful and effective.
You will be comfortable working in a specialist legal service, working closely with supervising solicitors and contributing positively to a team environment. 



 
Key requirements

• Demonstrated understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and human rights, and the ability to advocate for and work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities in a specialist legal setting
• Strong organisational, time management and file management skills
• Well-developed legal research and analytical skills
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, respectfully and concisely
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team under the supervision of Dhurrawang's Supervising Solicitors, and to work effectively with students, volunteers and the community
• Proficiency in IT and in the use of a range of computer programs, including Microsoft Office applications and case management systems

Desirable attributes

• Experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and in community-based environments.
• A current driver's licence, or eligibility to obtain one.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.