UNSW Law Society Public Interest Careers Guide 2019/2020

PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS GUIDE 2019/2020

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UNSW LAW SOCIETY PRESIDENTS Fletcher O’Connor Natasha Hartano VICE PRESIDENT (PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS) Jim Tong

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR (PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS) Nathan Zhang

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DIRECTORS (PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS) Tasnim Ahsan Tom Kennedy Helen Park Vien Siu PREVIOUS PUBLICATIONS DIRECTORS (PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS) Hannah Lee Anne Yang Joy Chen

Š 2019 UNSW Law Society This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced or stored by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of the UNSW Law Society.

Disclaimer The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the UNSW Law Society, the editor, or those of the UNSW Faculty of Law. Although the editor and the authors have taken every care in preparing and writing the guide, they expressly disclaim and accept no liability for any errors, omissions, misuse or misunderstandings on the part of any person who uses or relies upon it. The editor, author and the UNSW Law Society accept no responsibility for any damage, injury or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether law student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication.

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CONTENTS INTRODUCTION A Message from the Presidents

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CHAPTER ONE: GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE FEDERAL Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Attorney-General’s Department Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) Australian Human Rights Commission Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Commonwealth Ombudsman Department of Communications and the Arts Department of Defence Department of Education and Training Department of Employment Department of Environment and Energy Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Department of Health Department of Home Affairs Department of Human Services Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development Department of Jobs and Small Business Department of Social Services Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Department of Veterans’ Affairs Fair Work Commission Fair Work Ombudsman Office of Australian Information Commissioner Office of the Commonwealth Department of Federal Prosecution Treasury

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10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

NSW Legal Aid NSW NSW Conduct Enforcement Commission NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office NSW Department of Justice NSW Government NSW Law Reform Commission NSW Police Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Public Defenders

40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

The Judiciary NSW Bar Association Associateship and Tipstaff Positions

49 50

CHAPTER TWO: COMMUNITIES AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS Community legal centres Aboriginal Legal Service Arts Law Centre of Australia Environment Defenders Office (EDO) HIV/AIDS Legal Centre Youth Law Australia Australian Pro Bono Centre Public Interest Advocacy Centre Redfern Legal Centre Refugee Advice & Casework Service (RACS) Welfare Rights Centre Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre Women’s Legal Service NSW

52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

Other Social Justice Amnesty International Aurora Project Disability Advocacy NSW Environmental Justice Australia GetUp Grata Fund In the Spotlight: Isabelle Reinecke Justice Connect Lawyers Without Borders NSW Council for Civil Liberties NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby Oxfam Australia Red Cross Australia Capital Punishment Justice Project Salvos Legal

64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78

Plaintiff/Private Public Interest Law Firms Maurice Blackburn Shine Lawyers Slater & Gordon Marsden’s Law Group

79 80 81 82 5

CHAPTER THREE: INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC INTEREST International Courts and Tribunals International Court of Arbitration International Court of Justice (ICJ) International Criminal Court (ICC) International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

84 85 86 87

International Organisations Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) International Labour Organisation (ILO) International Monetary Fund (IMF) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) United Nations Women World Food Programme (WFP) World Trade Organisation (WTO)

88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

CHAPTER FOUR: APPLYING FOR JOBS IN THE AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SECTOR

Preparing for the Interview Application Tips Sample CV Sample Cover Letter

101 102 104

CHAPTER FIVE: QUALIFYING TO PRACTICE LAW IN AUSTRALIA

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Admission as a Solicitor Becoming a Barrister

106 107

Notable Links Website Links

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INTRODUCTION

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

A Message from the Presidents

On behalf of the UNSW Law Society, we would like to wish you all the best with your future careers (wherever they may lead). It can often seem like the path for law students is carved into the stone of commercial law, however this is far from the reality. Contained within this guide are just some of the opportunities out there for students interested in working for government, not-forprofit and other bodies outside of the commercial sector.

Through reading this guide, students can find out more about what it is like to work for non-commercial bodies, the benefits of doing so, and relevant application dates. Throughout our time as Co-Presidents, we have truly come to appreciate the strength of diversity at UNSW Law. We believe that this diversity should be celebrated, particularly in the careers space with UNSW students feeling free to pursue their respective passions in various fields. Whatever your passion, we at the UNSW Law Society want to support you as best as we can and hope this guide is a stepping stone to greater things in your future.

Our thanks goes to the Public Interest Careers team for creating this guide, with special mention to our Vice-President (Public Interest Careers), Jim Tong, and Public Interest Careers Publications Director, Nathan Zhang.

Lastly, please remember that the job hunt is a stressful time for everyone. Never hesitate to seek support from your friends and family. There are also a number of services you can use if you just want someone to talk to (like CAPS on campus).

Good luck, we’re rooting for you!

Natasha Hartanto and Fletcher O’Connor Co-Presidents UNSW Law Society 2019

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CHAPTER 1: Careers in Government & Public Interest Law 9

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Merits Review

Review of a decision to refuse an applicants Protection Visa The Department of Home Affairs refused to grant the applicants Protection visas. The applicants were a married couple from Iraq who stated that they feared Shia militia groups would harm them if they returned. The AAT remitted the decision to the Department for reconsideration finding the applicants met the refugee criterion for a Protection visa.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) conducts independent merits review of administrative decisions made under Commonwealth laws. The AAT reviews decisions made by Australian Government ministers, departments and agencies. The independent merits review of the Tribunal extends also, in some circumstances, to decisions made by state government, non-government bodies and decisions made under Norfolk Island laws.

Despite no specific graduate program, there is an ongoing registrar for temporary positions with expressions of interest from interested candidates looking to fulfil short term roles. The AAT employs a number of ongoing and non-ongoing Commonwealth public servants to perform a range of duties including management of the AAT’s Registries, conducting conferences, legal research, provision of client services and support services to Members.

The AAT reviews decisions based solely upon merits; this is done by taking a fresh look at the facts, law and policy relating to the decision and arrive at an independent decision. In this regard, the AAT operates differently to most appellate courts in Australia. The AAT must make the legally correct decision or, where there can be more than one correct decision, the preferable decision.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? The most common types of decisions that lawyers at the AAT are involved in are: • • • • • •

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Child support; Commonwealth workers’ compensation; Family assistance, paid parental leave, social security and student assistance; Migration and refugee visas and visa-related decisions; Taxation; and Veterans’ entitlements.

APPLICATION PROCESS Openings can be found at: https://www.aat.gov.au/about-the-aat/ working-at-the-aat There is also a non-ongoing register which is used by the Tribunal to source suitable candidates to fill short term or temporary vacancies. Opportunities are offered for varying periods from 1 to 18 months with a possibility of extension of up to 3 years. There is no guarantee that an offer of employment will be made.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Legal Policy

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Attorney-General’s Department delivers programs and policies to maintain and improve Australia’s law and justice framework. Through the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS), they also provide legal services to the Commonwealth, including legal advice and representation.

As a policy graduate you will be doing the following: • contributing to the development and implementation of legislation, policies or programs • undertaking analysis, research and critical thinking • preparing written briefs, submissions, reports and ministerial correspondence • managing events including ministerial and council meetings.

The AG’s department is the central policy and coordinating element of the Attorney-General’s portfolio. As of 2019, it is structured into five groups:

Attorney-General’s Department and the Family Law System The Attorney-General’s Department has been engaged in significant law reform. More recently, the Department has commissioned a review into Family Law System including the Family Law Act 1975, with a view to making necessary reforms to ensure the family law system meets the contemporary needs of families and effectively addresses family violence and child abuse.

• • • • •

Australian Government Solicitor Legal Services and Families Integrity and International Enabling Services Industrial Relations

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? The AG’s Department offers work to recent graduates in two major streams – Policy advisory work and Legal Practice within the Australian Government Solicitor. As a graduate you will work on a variety of interesting and important policy issues and legal matters, often in unique and precedent-setting work of importance to Australia. You will interact with real clients, the Australian community, key stakeholders and other government jurisdictions to help achieve the Australian Government’s policy and legal objectives.

The policy graduate position requires you to work in Canberra.

The Legal Practice stream, on the other hand, is a 12-month development opportunity with rotations across a number of the practices, a client placement and a part-time pro bono placement. You will receive extensive support from supervisors and access to learning and development activities, including the opportunity to complete your practical legal training to be admitted to practice.

Legal practice graduates are based in Canberra with the possibility of one or more positions being located in Sydney and Melbourne. Financial assistance may be offered where graduates are relocating from their home state.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications for the Graduate program open late March and close late April.

See more information here: https:// www.ags.gov.au/employment/ graduate-employment.html

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Media

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is Australia’s national public broadcaster. The ABC provides entertainment, news, current affairs and sports programming across television, radio, mobile and online services to metropolitan, regional and remote Australia.

Each year, the ABC offers up to eight journalism cadetships to graduates, with opportunities available in every State and Territory. Over the course of 12-months, the ABC offers comprehensive training in multiplatform reporting; the chance to learn from some of Australia’s most outstanding journalists; a mentoring program; and the potential for a rewarding and varied career with the ABC. If you are selected, you may have to move to a capital city interstate for your cadetship. Then, if you meet the standards we require by the end of the cadetship year, you are likely to be offered a role in a regional newsroom.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

ABC Journalists in politics State Labor premiers and chief ministers Bob Carr, Alan Carpenter, and Clare Martin are all former ABC journalists. Other ABC journalists who stood as Labor candidates include Mary Delahunty, Maxine McKew, Mike Bailey, Ian Baker, Leon Bignell, John Bowler, Bob Debus, Malarndirri McCarthy, Frank McGuire, Neville Oliver and Diana Warnock. Senior ABC political reporter Kerry O’Brien was press secretary to Labor prime minister Gough Whitlam and Labor deputy leader Lionel Bowen and Barrie Cassidy was press secretary to Labor prime minister Bob Hawke.

Susan Templeman’s husband, Ron Fuller, is the former Chief of Staff for ABC TV News. Radio National’s Phillip Adams is a former member of the Communist Party of Australia and the Labor Party, and Melbourne ABC radio’s Jon Faine is a former member of the Labor Party.

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The ABC’s Legal Services provide pre- and post-publication advice for journalists, television shows, radio programs and online content. ABC Legal Services has a number of teams, including: • •

•

Dispute Resolution, that deals with program complaints, litigation and related disputes; Commercial, whose key function is to provide advice and draft agreements across divisions such as Music, Books, Audio, Magazines, Digital Business, Program Sales and Production; and Acquisitions, who deal with a range of issues relating to the production, acquisition and commissioning of content by the ABC across all content platforms.

Apart from internships and work experience, the ABC advertises many specific positions on their website from time to time. The ABC is looking for students who have some experience in media, are able to take initiative, have well-developed research and writing skills, and have an interest in news and broadcasting.

APPLICATION PROCESS

ABC offers: • Journalist Cadetship Program (12-month paid program) • ABC Internships/Work Experience • Women in Broadcast Technology Scholarship For more information about application dates, see: https://www.abc.net.au/careers/ cadetshipsandworkexperience/

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Competition Law

ACCC gears up for battle with Google and Facebook The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s world-first digital platforms report, released July 2019, touted five “continuing investigations” into Google and Facebook on potential breaches of privacy and data collection laws.

They include whether Facebook breached consumer law by allowing users’ data to be shared with third parties and whether Google has collated users’ location data illegally.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is an independent Commonwealth statutory authority whose role is to enforce the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and a range of additional legislation, promoting competition, fair trading and regulating national infrastructure for the benefit of all Australians.

The ACCC aims to remedy market failure, protect the interests of consumers, and promote the fair and efficient use of monopoly infrastructure through legislation and public engagement.

The ACCC offers up to 6-week summer internships to final year students studying law and other degrees, information on which becomes available on the ACCC Current Vacancies page (available on their website) around the end of August.

A career with the ACCC will give you the chance to work on a wide variety of key industry issues, consumer protection matters and significant public interest issues of the day.

Work can extend across multiple fields including legal services, economics, policy work, law enforcement and more.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? As a graduate your work in the ACCC could involve: • Analysing key market sectors assisting in assessing applications for collective bargaining, authorisations and notifications • The economic regulation of network infrastructure • Investigating complaints from business or consumers about possible breaches of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

The ACCC also runs a year-long graduate program where graduates form part of a small, high-performing agency that is committed to promoting competition and consumer protection and fair trading in the Australian marketplace.

The program is structured in three 14-week rotations, so that graduates work in a range of areas and take part in diverse activities.

APPLICATION PROCESS Internship: Information available on the ACCC “Current Vacancies” Page from the end of August. Applications tend to open mid-September, with successful applicants starting from early January.

Graduate Position: Applications open on ACCC website from February and close by the end of March. Assessment Centres run between May and June, offers are made in July, and the role commences in February of the following year.

More information can be found on the website: https://www.accc.gov.au/ about-us/careers

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

ABOUT Government Legal Advice

AGS acts for the Commonwealth in case of communication and activities near abortion clinics An example of the AGS’ work can be seen in the recent landlmark decision in Clubb v Edwards; Preston v Avery [2019] HCA 11. In this case, the High Court upheld the constitutional validity of safe access zone laws in Victoria and Tasmania, in particular, provisions that prohibit certain communications and protests about abortion within 150 metres of abortion clinics.

AGS is a group within the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department providing legal services to government to assist the AttorneyGeneral in the role of First Law Officer and advise the Executive Government and all Commonwealth agencies.

The Australian Government Solicitor works with client agencies to deliver outcomes and minimise legal risk by providing high-quality advice and representation and timely, reliable service. This group has the expertise, the corporate memory and the resources to do this in a way no other legal practice can – due to governmental connection.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? The three main areas that the AGS practices in are The Office of the General Counsel, AGS Dispute Resolution and AGS Commercial: •

•

•

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AGS’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) specialises in the provision of legal advice and assistance to the Commonwealth; Dispute resolution includes mediation, arbitration, and conciliation. They act in all types of matters – from small claims and disputes, to the largest and most sensitive litigation matters in which the Commonwealth is involved; and AGS Commercial comprises of more than 60 lawyers and brings a special perspective to their work gained from many years’ experience in both public and

Additionally, the AGS implements a Lawyer Development Program (LDP) to assist lawyers to apply the knowledge and skills they have developed through legal studies and to develop the skills and expertise required of senior lawyers. The program comprises of 3 stages as lawyers build confidence in practice management, develop client relationships, deepen their knowledge of legislation, government policy and legal issues, and strengthen their capability to provide written and oral advice on increasingly complex legal matters.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS The AGS has a graduate program based in Canberra that offers 12 months training and a development program in either a legal practice stream or policy stream. The Graduate Program is run through the Attorney General’s Department.

APPLICATION PROCESS Applications for the 2021 Graduate Program open between March and April next year.

See more at: https://www.ags.gov.au/employment/ graduate-employment.html

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Human Rights Law Legal Policy

The AHRC’s current projects AHRC’s current projects include: • National Inquiry into Sexual Harrassment in Australian Workplaces • Constitutional Reform to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the nations Constitution • A project sharing the stories of Australian Muslims in attempt to reduce discrimination, Islamophobia and hate speech

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is an independent statutory organisation that works to protect, reform and educate on human rights in Australia. It attempts to promote education and public awareness of human rights surrounding individual and groups through policy and legislative development and complaints.

The Australian Human Rights Commission does not have a formal Graduate Program or volunteer program, however it does have two yearly intakes for internship programs in March/April and September/October.

The AHRC conciliates discrimination complaints, hold public inquiries, and develop education resources for schools and workplaces.

The Commission also provide legal advice to courts, make submissions to parliaments and governments, and initiate research into human rights and discrimination issues.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Within the Legal Advisory Service provides a wide range of functions to the Commission including: • Litigation • Intervention and Amicus Curiae • Legal analysis for policy work • Support on contracts and tenders • Advice on discrimination law • Conduct AHRC complaint processes (relating primarily to International Labour Organisation Conventions and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights)

Interns undertake work in the Commission’s policy teams, however there are also opportunities for assignments to the following roles: • • • •

Legal Services Communications Investigation Conciliation Service areas

They work on policy, submissions or projects, research, draft writing or project/administrative support in prescribed team, such as the: • • • •

Racial Discrimination Team Sex Discrimination Team Social Justice Team Civil and Political Rights Team

APPLICATION PROCESS The application process is outlined on the Australian Human Rights Commission website: https://www.humanrights.gov.au/ about/jobs/current-vacancies

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Legal Policy

Inquiry into elder abuse 2018 An interesting project that the ALRC worked on during the past calendar year was the inquiry into elder abuse.

With a high prevalence rate ranging from 2% to 14% in middle or high-income countries, the lack of awareness and general stigma surrounding is a major concern for law reformists.

As a result, the recommendations by the ALRC in their released report on the issue carries great national significance and follows similar reports by international organisations, such as the World Health Organisation.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) is an independent statutory authority, which functions to conduct inquiries on behalf of the AttorneyGeneral of Australia. Utilising the research and consultations involved throughout these inquiries, recommendations for the Government are developed by the ALRC to inform the law reform process. As an independent body, the ALRC is within the Attorney-General’s portfolio but simultaneously independent of government and thus able to undertake research, consultations, legal policy development and make recommendations on its own authority.

The influence and effectiveness of the ALRC is exhibited by 85% of its recommendations being implemented in some form.

The ALRC provides opportunities for penultimate and final-year law students to work with Commission members and legal staff as a voluntary legal intern.

Based in Sydney, internships with the ALRC can be structured as either:

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees work as policy advisors, undertaking multiple research inquiries as per the needs of the ALRC. This involves: • Bringing the law into line with current conditions and needs • Removing defects in the law • Simplifying the law • Adopting new or effective methods for administering the law and dispensing justice • Providing access to justice

• One day per week for a semester, or • Three weeks during January/ February of the university summer break

APPLICATION PROCESS Due to the strong demand for internships, the ALRC conducts a formal selection process.

Accordingly, applicants will need to demonstrate the following selection criteria: • Strong research skills • Ability to analyse and communicate complex information • Excellent written communication skills • Ability to work independently with professional guidance; and • Work experience, or interest in, law reform and/or social policy development ALRC offers summer and winter internships.

There is also a non-going employment register for legal research positions.

To be considered for such vacancies, please email your name, contact details, and current CV to hr@alrc.gov.au.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Financial Regulation

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is an independent statutory authority that supervises institutions across banking, insurance and superannuation and promotes financial system stability in Australia.

APRA offers an extensive 18 month graduate program that is ideal for a Law student who wishes to enter the financial sector and has experience with economics, finance or mathematics.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

APRA grants unrestricted licence to Chinese Neobank The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has granted Xinja Bank Limited a licence to operate as an authorised deposit-taking institution (ADI) without restrictions under the Banking Act 1959.

The new arrivals come after APRA changed its licensing regime in response to the 2017 federal budget, in which the government asked the regulator to be more supportive of banking competition.

The effect of the licence means that data-driven offerings can be introduced into the market, disrupting the traditional banking sector in Australia.

With over 600 employees from various fields across the financial and legal sectors, APRA is organised into the following six divisions and one independent internal team: • • • • • • •

Specialised Institutions Division Diversified Institutions Division Policy and Advice Division Risk and Data Analytics Division Corporate Services Division Strategy and Chief Risk Officer Division Internal audit team

Each of these different divisions offers different work. The most relevant to law students is the Policy and Advice division, which ensures that APRA’s frontline supervisors have the best possible tools to support them in their risk analysis and supervisory interventions. This division consists of Legal Services, Policy Development, Advice and Approvals, Resolution and Enforcement, and Licensing.

During these 18 months you will complete three six-month rotations, across their frontline supervision, policy development, and data analytics divisions, giving you the opportunity to build the core foundations of prudential regulation. These foundations will help jump start your career as a finance professional.

APPLICATION PROCESS Applications for this position open on the APRA website “Graduate Careers Section” near the end of February, and close at the end of March. There is online testing in early April, followed by an Assessment Centre, and then a second round of interviews. Offers are made in June.

You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen to apply, and a minimum credit average from an Australian University is expected.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

ABOUT Financial Regulation

The Australian Securities and Investments Commision is Australia’s integrated corporate, markets, financial services and consumer credit regulator.

ASIC is an independent Commonwealth Government Statutory Authority, and is responsible for upholding and enforcing laws and regulations in these sectors.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Enforcement following Royal Commission Following the Royal Commission, ASIC has taken a tougher stance against misconduct. This has arisen through the introduction of new penalties and legislative reforms to meet the expectations of the community, parliament and the government.

Since February 01, 2018, there has been a 15% increase in the number of ASIC enforcement investigations on foot and a 50% increase in the number of ASIC enforcement investigations of misconduct by large financial institutions

ASIC offers a number of different roles across finance, law enforcement, IT and other sectors, but the main legal work occurs in the Chief Legal Office.

As a lawyer in ASIC’s Chief Legal Office, you may be involved in high-profile criminal and civil matters. You could advise on complex or novel regulatory matters and be part of major cases ASIC is conducting. You will work closely with ASIC’s stakeholder, strategy and registry teams. You may also advise the Commission and others on law reform, major contracts and give opinions on legal rights and responsibilities. You could also be drafting or settling class orders.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS ASIC offers a year-long graduate program to law graduates, broken into four four-month rotations.

Responsibilities include: •

• •

•

•

Collecting and analysing evidence, seeking the opinions of finance and forensic experts, interviewing a person of interest, or preparing court documents and liaising with counsel.

Involvement in high-profile criminal and civil matters.

Working as part of a team which implement important law reform initiatives such as those recommended by the Financial System Inquiry.

Helping in the assessment of complaints and reports of misconduct relating to insider trading, continuous disclosure and market manipulation for consideration of enforcement action Policy work and more

ASIC offers mentors for each rotation, support from your team and a buddy from last year’s program to help you.

APPLICATION PROCESS Online Applications Open in early March and Close in late March on the ASIC website. Following this is a Video Interview and an Assessment Centre, with offers being made in June.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement.

More information can be found at: https://careers.asic.gov.au

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Tax

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Australian Taxation Office is an independent statutory body responsible for managing the Australian taxation system, among other things.

Their responsibilities include:

The ATO offers both 12-month graduate positions and undergraduate positions.

• • • •

ATO and the Gig Economy The ATO is currently in the process of updating their reporting regime to ensure that income earned from Gig economy platforms such as Uber, Airbnb and Airtasker are accounted for in tax.

•

Collecting revenue Administering the goods and services tax (GST) on behalf of the Australian states and territories Administering a range of programs that provide transfers and benefits to the community Administering the major aspects of Australia’s superannuation system Being custodian of the Australian Business Register.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? The work that is done at the ATO depends on the position that you’re given, but broadly revolves around building a leading tax and superannuation administration known for contemporary service, expertise and integrity. Tasks include: •

•

Designing solutions that turn problems upside down; building cutting-edge systems that engage, and make it easier to do the right thing Shaping the way legislation is interpreted and applied, and influencing new policy

Taxation areas include: • Client Engagement Group • Corporate & Enabling Services • Law Design & Practice • Service Delivery • Tax Practitioners Board It should also be noted that Practical Legal Training and Chartered accountants accreditation are not incorporated in to the Graduate program but can be explored through the ATO’s Tuition assistance program or study leave options afforded to all our staff through the enterprise agreement once you have completed your graduate year.

Undergraduate Programs are offered for a casual contract of up to 12 months.

APPLICATION PROCESS Graduate program: Applications open on the ATO website at the beginning of March. Following this, a series of assessment activities (online and face-to-face), with offers made in September.

Undergraduate program: Undergrad intake for a casual position of up to 12 months is offered on a rolling basis on the ATO Careers website.

Indigenous cadetship programs are also available for those taking an undergraduate degree. See more information: https://www.ato.gov. au/about-ato/careers/entry-levelprograms/programs-for-aboriginal-andtorres-strait-islander-peoples

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Dispute Resolution Immigration Law Human Services

Reports of abuse in the Australian Defence Force In Aug 2019, The Commonwealth Ombudsman released two reports about abuse in the Defence Force.

The first report examines current Defence policies and procedures for the reporting and management of abuse.

The second report contains information about the steps that the Ombusman Office and the Defence has responded to such issues.

More information about the Ombudsman’s work can be found here: http://www.ombudsman. gov.au/publications/reports/ investigation

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Commonwealth Ombudsman investigates complaints from people who believe they have been treated unfairly or unreasonably by an Australian Government agency. The aim of the Commonwealth Ombudsman is to resolve complaints impartially, informally and quickly without overriding the decisions of the agencies that it is dealt with, nor issues directions to their staff. Instead, disputes are resolved through consultation and negotiation, and if necessary, by making formal recommendations to the most senior levels of governments.

There are no formal graduate programs for the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees work to resolve complaints from Australian Government departments or agencies, or prescribed private sector organisations, including Australia Post, Centrelink, Child Support (DHS), and Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Lawyers at the Commonwealth Ombudsman work to safeguard the community in its dealings with the Australian Government agencies by: • Correcting administrative deficiencies through independent review of complaints about the Australian Government administrative action • Fostering good public administration that is accountable, lawful, fair, transparent and responsive • Developing policies and principles for accountability; and • Reviewing statutory compliance by agencies.

However, there are temporary vacancies that are available for undergraduate and graduate students.

APPLICATION PROCESS Vacancies can be found on their Careers page or in the Australian Public Service Gazette • http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/ about/careers/current-vacancies • https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/ Additionally, a temporary/non-ongoing employment register is available for candidates to register a general expression of interest for short-term temporary employment as positions become available.

Please send your application by email to human.resources@ombudsman. gov.au. Applications will be kept for a period of 12 months from date of receipt.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Media Law Technology Law Communications

Mobile black spot program An example of the department’s work is their recent Mobile Black Spot Program. This aims to improve mobile phone coverage and competition in regional and remote Australia.

So far, the Government has committed $380 million to the program to invest in telecommunications and infrastructure to improve mobile coverage in regional and remote Australian areas.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Department of Communications and the Arts is advisor to the Australian Government on the communications industry and the changes in digital technologies. The department in involved in policy development and program implementation to encourage public access and participation in arts, culture and technology in Australia.

The department offers a graduate program annually to graduates with a strong desire to shape Australia’s communication and creative industries landscapes. As a generalist program, graduates with backgrounds in sectors such as the Arts, Communications, Economics, Human Resources and the Law are welcome to apply. As of 2020, the department accepts a cohort of up to 16 graduates.

The Department covers agencies such as Australia Post, NBN Co, The ABC and SBS, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the National Film and Sound Archive, and Screen Australia.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees are involved in tasks such as research, project management and policy development in areas such as internet governance, copyright law, and telecommunication powers.

Within the program, graduates undertake three different rotations based on individual interests and current organisational requirements.

Roles may include: • advisory work on strengthening national broadcasters • advocacy for online security • policy development supporting cultural heritage • policy development supporting policy for broadband, open

data, and media

APPLICATION PROCESS Applications for the graduate program will open late March and close April 2020 for the 2021 Graduate Program.

This includes reallocation costs to Canberra if needed.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Contract Law Defence Policy Research Cyber & Information Security Analytics

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The key purpose of the Department of Defence is to defend Australia against attack.

The Department of Defence’s Graduate Program covers a broad range of interest areas, including:

The key matters dealt with by the department are: • International defence relations and cooperation • Research • Defence procurement and purchasing • Defence industry development

Development of fire protection systems The far reaching effect of the work that is done at the Department of Defence can be seen in the recent achievements by scientists within the department who have worked towards developing fire protection systems that can be utilised by the ADF.

The organisational structure of the defence portfolio involves two significant bodies, the Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force Other bodies within the Department include the Judge Advocate General, Director of Military Prosecutions and Inspector General of the ADF.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? In various roles employees: • Plan advice for the minister for defence • Develop strategic guidance for the ADF • Evaluate information from classified and unclassified sources • Provide strategic commercial advice to a variety of defence programs, including the Future Submarine Program and the joint Strike Fighter Project

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• • • • • • • • • •

Engineering Finance Human Recourses Logistics Contracting Information and Technology Estate and Infrastructure Defence Policy Research Intelligence and Cyber

The Department of Defence additionally offers Graduate Programs through the ADF whereby students who have a completed degree have the opportunity to complete graduate programs and additional training in preparation for service.

Further opportunities for students include, the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), for those wishing to begin military training while studying.

APPLICATION PROCESS The graduate program selection involves: • Application • Online testing to determine where you suit the best within the department • Online questioning • Screening and assessment

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Education Policy

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Department of Education and Training is responsible for national policies and programs that help Australians access quality and affordable early child care and childhood education, school education, higher education, vocational education and training, international education and research.

The Department of Education and Training Graduate Program accepts graduates from all degrees and disciplines for their 10 month program.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Child and adolescence mental health on education outcomes Recently, the department has released a report on the effects of Child and Adolescence Mental Health on Education Outcomes.

The report found that students with mental disorders (such as ADHD, depression and anxiety) have poorer NAPLAN results in all domains and year levels as well as higher rates of absence from school.

Employees are involved with: • policy formulation • implementation of education policies and programs • program administration • corporate support roles (legal advice, human resources, communications and finance) • data analysis and management

There are three pathways within the Graduate Program: • ICT • Data Analytics • Generalist The generalist stream is most relevant to law students, as it is involved with policy, legal, communications, and finance roles.

The department is also involved in affirmative action selection processes for graduates with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

APPLICATION PROCESS The application process differs for each stream.

In general, the process involves: • • • • • •

Online application Cognitive testing Written assessments Skype interview Values inventory test Referee check

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Legal Policy Employment Law

Reskilling workers paper Data-driven approach, published by the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, identifies that moving towards a skills-based approach to labour market analysis could help Australia respond to this changing demand for skills

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Australian Government Department of Employment (DOE), Skills, Small and Family Business (formerly Department of Jobs and Small Business) is responsible for national policies and programs that help Australians find and keep employment and work in safe, fair and productive workplaces.

The DoE Graduate Program is available for students, and is a ten-month program providing the oppotunity to work in a range of areas across department and work on policies and programs that directly affect Australians.

The Department was established on 29 May 2019 and reports to the Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash. The head of the department is the Secretary of the Department of Jobs and Small Business, currently Kerri Hartland.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? The DoE collaborates with industry stakeholders including employers, unions, employees, employment service providers, job seekers, the Australian public and other Commonwealth agencies. They aim to take into account broader economic, social and technological changes that will transform the way Australians work.

The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family businesses offers five streams that graduates can work in: • Quantitative analysis • Economics/econometrics • Information and communications technology • Legal • Generalist

APPLICATION PROCESS In previous years, applications have opened in March and closed in Late April, with all subsequent testing occurring online.

Information is also available in the Graduate Program section of the Department of Employment website.

To see what past Graduates have experienced, visit the Graduate profiles page: https://www.employment.gov. au/graduate-profiles-0 For more information on the benefits and pay, visit the Program Benefits page: https://www.employment.gov. au/program-benefits

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Environmental Law

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Department of Environment & Energy designs and implements policy and programs that:

The Environment and Energy Graduate Program run by the Department is for 16 months, combining the graduate and Indigenous streams.

• • •

Protect and conserve the environment, water and heritage Promote climate action Provide adequate, reliable and affordable energy

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Great Barrier Reef conservation An interesting project of the Department in recent years is their conservation efforts on the Great Barrier Reef.

This is being achieved through targeted efforts to improve water quality entering the Reef with accelerated efforts to meet water quality targets under the Reef 2050 plan by focusing the majority of the $573 million in Government funding received on quality actions.

As a significant environmental landmark of Australia, assisting the Reef’s survival is an exemplar of the significance of the Department’s work.

The Department’s main activities in recent years have covered four main purposes, which are: • • • •

Environment and heritage Antarctica Energy Climate change

Progress within these tasks have been achieved by: • • • •

Administering regulations Implementing government programs Running on-ground operations Providing evidence-based policy advice

Whilst on the program, graduates will complete rotations in four different divisions. The first rotation placement will be chosen based on the graduate’s background and area of study. For succeeding rotations, graduates will be encouraged to research and choose preference areas within the department.

Unique to the program are: • •

Formal training courses, which will complement and expand upon the on-the-job experience The possibility of work outside of the ACT in locations such as Christmas Island and Jervis Bay

Furthermore, those applying through the Indigenous stream will be actively mentored by a cohort of previous Indigenous graduates and the Indigenous Staff Network

APPLICATION PROCESS Graduate applications are accepted through the Department’s online portal. Within the assessment process, applications will be assessed and shortlisted using the published APS Work Level Standards. Applications for the Graduate streams open February/ March.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Commercial Law Administrative Law International law

Access to clean water and sanitation in Papua New Guinea DFAT is currently working on providing women in remote communities in Papua New Guinea with better access to clean water and sanitation. This program is one example of how DFAT works across a great range of areas of the world while addressing pressing issues. It is the work of research graduates and those delivering aid that brings these programs to the great success they have and will continue to achieve.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

DFAT’s purpose is to make Australia a safer, stronger and more successful nation by upholding and promoting our interests on an international level.

It has the important role of proving advice to the government regarding foreign, trade and development policy advice.

The Graduate Program is a twoyear program that combines work placements with training modules and courses, designed to fill any gaps in academic study.

DFAT employs over 6,000 staff in Canberra and many others in over 100 overseas posts. These employees work in assisting travellers, connecting people, providing help in crises, reducing poverty and economic growth, increasing gender equality, promoting trade and investment and also promoting Australia via social media and a number of grants made across the world.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Legal work involves: • Providing advice on contracts, employment law and diplomatic privileges and immunities • Managing litigation in Australia and overseas, including international trade matters, the laws of the sea and international human rights Economics work involves: • Negotiating trade agreements • Managing aid programs • Developing trade and investment policies, issues • Working at a bilateral economic desk or at an embassy analysing other countries’ economies • Human recourses • Public diplomacy

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Placements will occur over 5 to 6 months whereby graduates will work on: • Multilateral desks (dealing with disarmament, counter-terrorism or human rights) • Bilateral desks (foreign policy and aid delivery) • Trade desks • Development desks • Corporate desks There are two programs available, the Policy Graduate Program and the Management Graduate Program.

Additionally, there is an Indigenous Graduate Recruitment Program available to Indigenous candidates.

APPLICATION PROCESS Applications for graduate positions are open around February–March on the DFAT website. The process involves a written application, an online test, interviews and assessment centres.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Contract Law Medical Law

Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission The Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission (the Mission) was announced in the 2018-19 Budget.

This is an initiative launched to support innovative and groundbreaking mental health and suicide prevention research, the Mission aims to assist up to one million people affected by mental illness. It will enable people who might not otherwise benefit from research and trials to take part and be part of the solutions, especially smaller organisations, individuals with lived experience, and early career researchers.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Department of Health is Australia’s primary body, which works to better health and wellbeing for Australians.

It aims to guide and shape the health system in Australia through research and effective targeted programs developed on evidence.

Students of all study areas are eligible to apply for the Graduate Development Program and will be considered for positions, however a genuine interest in the area of health is necessary.

The program runs for 10 months in Canberra.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Level Program is also available.

There are various roles within the Department:

APPLICATION PROCESS

•

•

•

Legal Officers within the Regulatory Legal Services Branch providing legal advice Administrative Officers providing support to hospitals Working in Information Technology involves managing IT for the Department

Prior to commencing work at the Department, employees are provided with the opportunity to learn and develop through additional training programs, study schemes, tertiary study schemes, mentoring schemes and eLearning.

Applications for the 2021 Graduate program will open between late March and close late April.

The graduate program selection involves: •

• •

Elements Online Ability Assessments which measures reasoning skills in interpreting written information and reports and using data and statistics Telephone interview Assessment Centre – to assess the behaviours and capabilities of applicants whereby each applicant will complete a written work sample test, a group discussion and a behavioural interview

See more at: https://www.health.gov. au/about-us/work-with-us/graduateprogram Please see the vacancies list here: https://healthjobs.nga.net.au/cp/index. cfm?

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Policy Immigration Law Border Security

Monitoring illegal imports and exports The Department’s child agency, the Australian Border Force, readily works to seize illegal imports and exports. The responsibilities of the ABF range from seizing illegal methamphetamine importations and to fining of those who fish illegally within Australian borders.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection, now within the Department of Home Affairs, is responsible for immigration and customs border policy. The primary functions of the organisation are:

The Department of Home Affairs offers a Graduate Development Program with a variety of hands-on experiences and formal development opportunities over the duration of 12 months. Graduates experience various workplace rotations within the Department to build a diverse range of skills and knowledge.

• National security and law enforcement policy • Emergency management and disaster recovery • Countering terrorism policy and coordination • Cyber security • Critical infrastructure protection • Multicultural affairs • Countering violent extremism programs • Transport security

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? There is a broad variety of work that can be undertaken by employees and graduates. Graduates can expect to work in: • Business analysis • Cyber security • Project management • Policy development and connection • Dealing with communications domestically and globally

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The program involves the following areas: • • • • •

Intelligence and capability Policy Visa and Citizenship Services Australian Border Force Corporate work

APPLICATION PROCESS Based on previous years, the dates for selection processes are as follows: • • • • • • •

•

Online Application (Late March) Online Testing (Early May) Video Interview (Mid May) Assessment Centre (June) Referee Reports (Late June) Merit Pool (Early July) Security and character requirements (Early July) Starting date (Feb following year)

For more information see: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/aboutus/careers/graduate-program/aboutthe-program

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Policy Privacy Law and FOI Social Service Law

Cognitive computing ICT graduates have recently used cognitive computing to propose a mobile phone application, which allows homeless people access to the departments services, food, accommodation, health and transport. Taking into account that 95% of homeless people have mobile phones, this application reveals how cognitive intelligence is definitely the way forward for bettering the lives of many Australians and communities.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Department of Human Services provides families, individuals and communities with advice, high quality accessible support services and payments, all contributing to the goal of greater self-sufficiency.

The ‘Affirmative Measure – Indigenous Provision’ provides particular vacancies in identified positions within the Department for Indigenous Australians.

To achieve this goal, the Department provides Australians with Medicare, Centrelink and Child Support Services and Payments. The Department prides itself in respecting each person’s individual and cultural needs, quality information, acting honestly and with integrity in everything they do, and aiming to be efficient in providing their services.

A proactive approach is taken by the Department in developing new innovative and effective approaches, encouraging responsibility and self sufficiency through the use of technology and greater intergovernmental collaboration.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? The legal work the department conducts includes: • The interpretation and application of the law in different contexts • Providing legal advice on policy issues • Advising on privacy and freedom of information claims and freedom of information requests

The Indigenous Cadetship Program offers positions to Indigenous students completing their degrees Indigenous Apprenticeships Program.

The National Graduate Program can be undertaken by students who are completing degrees in health, communications, data analytics, finance, human recourses or law. There are two pathways into the program: • The generalist pathway is for those yet unsure of what area of work they wish to go into • The professional pathway offers students a focused career path

APPLICATION PROCESS The selection process involves three steps: • Application. Applications usually form the basis for short listing applicants for further assessment • Referee Comments • Interview

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Planning Law Environmental Law

Progressing the NSW and Victorian transport systems An interesting project the Department is currently working upon is progressing the Western Sydney Airport and Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail with these two of the largest projects of their kind within Australia respectively.

The Department’s work on these projects has progressed significantly with their policy and technical advice to the Government yielding a further financial commitment of $8.4 billion to the Inland Rail and $5.3 billion to the airport as per the 2017–18 federal budget.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities is an APS Department charged with the responsibility of securing Australia’s economic future and improving living standards. This is being accomplished through their functions of:

The Department offers an 11-month graduate program, which is designed to provide graduates with the opportunity to work alongside the range of key divisions and projects covered by the portfolio.

• Infrastructure planning • Transport system reform • Regulation of transport and security • Strategic investment in transform structure • Strategic development of policies and programs • Improving the economic base of domestic regions and communities • Providing community services and capital investment to Australia’s territories

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees in the Department: • Provide policy advice • Administer policies and implement regulation across the diverse portfolio Due to the diversity of the portfolio, the Department is structured in the following divisions: • Corporate Services • Infrastructure Investment • Surface Transport Policy • Policy and Research • Office of Transport Security • Aviation and Airports • Local Government and Territories Western Sydney Unit

Accordingly, the program seeks those who can work collaboratively, innovatively and efficiently in achieving desired outcomes. If successful, graduates will have the opportunity to complete a mix of job rotations, postgraduate study, internal training and an interstate study tour.

The Department also offers a summer vacation program for final-year students and graduates. This is a paid internship designed to offer a sample of Government work with placements across a range of the department’s divisions. A unique feature of the internship is the ability to work alongside a leadership team, which holds diverse expertise on subject matter across a range of fields.

APPLICATION PROCESS An initial online application must be submitted to the Department’s myRecruitment system. Short-listed applicants will then be contacted and required to participate in further assessment, such as interviews or work sample tests.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Federal Government Social Innovation

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business operates with the purpose of fostering a labour market, which is both productive and competitive in nature.

The Department offers a ten-month graduate program, which offers:

This is accomplished through employment policies and programs that increase workforce participation and facilitate job growth by promoting fair, productive, flexible and safe workplace environments.

‘Transition to work’ An interesting project that the Department has recently worked on is the ‘Transition to Work’ service, which is assisting young people aged between 15 and 21 in transitioning into employment.

This is being achieved through intensive pre-employment support to improve the work readiness of young people and assist them into work or education.

In achieving this purpose, the Department operates directly under both the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, alongside the Minister for Small Business, the Workplace and Deregulation.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

• Placements in the Department’s different work divisions, granting an opportunity to experience the range of programs and policies developed and implemented by the Department • Professional development, including structured learning and development activities • Opportunities to be involved in a wide range of networks, social and fundraising events The graduate program recruits through the five streams: • • • • •

Generalist Economic Legal Quantitative Analysis ICT

Graduate lawyers generally participate in the array of tasks in the fields of: • Administrative law • Insolvency law • Corporate and commercial law • Legislation development • Social security • Intellectual property • Workers’ compensation • Workplace relations • Work health and safety law

Throughout the program, graduates will participate in: • Training and development activities focused on project management • Policy formulation and advice • Stakeholder engagement • Writing for the APS • Strategic thinking and innovation

These tasks generally consist of providing legal advice and services across the responsibilities of the Department.

The recruitment process for the Department is a three-stage process:

APPLICATION PROCESS

1) 2) 3)

One-page ‘pitch’: Interview and written activity Placement offers

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Public Interest Law Family Law Social Security Law Social Policy

National plan to reduce violence An interesting project the DSS is working on is the implementation of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022, delivering frontline services to assist children and women escape violence.

Initiatives include: • Trialling the use of innovative technology and supporting women experiencing technologyfacilitated abuse • Keeping women safe in their homes and expanding 1800RESPECT • Increasing funding for Mensline • Increasing funding for local women’s case workers and expanding DV-alert training program

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is the Australian Government’s preeminent social policy agency, charged with responsibility for national policies and programs that help deliver a fair and strong policy for all Australians.

Consequently, the department partners with other government and nongovernment organisations to work towards the effective development, management and delivery of payments, policies, programs and services. These uphold the Department’s responsibility for families, communities, housing, social security, and disability services.

The DSS offers 70 to 80 places within their graduate program each year to students of any discipline. The program runs for ten months and offers graduates training and network opportunities through two five-month rotations. The graduate program is structured into different Generalist, Data & Analysis, Public Affairs Specialist, Legal, and Finance streams. For the specialist streams offered, a relevant tertiary qualification is required.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? A career in the AGD will provide the opportunity for a challenging and meaningful career in the heart of Australia’s social policy agenda. In this role, employees work to support the development and delivery of social policy, which operates to improve the lifetime wellbeing of people and families in Australia.

Employees: •

• •

Provide evidence-based and whole-of-department social policy advice to the ministers and government Ensure government and society are well placed to meet the social policy challenges of the future Create a productive and supportive workplace

Additionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply with applicants offered streamlined entry into the program through a culturally appreciative pathway.

APPLICATION PROCESS The graduate program involves a two-step selection process before candidates receive an offer of employment.

The first stage is a short online application, in which candidates can elect their preferred streams through their online application. This application requires a response to a provided statement of claims or selection criteria and the contacting of provided referees.

If short-listed, applicants proceed to the next selection phase, which varies and may not necessarily include an interview. Other assessments used for this phase are written and work sample tests and behaviour questionnaires.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Policy

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) aims to achieve a coordinated and innovative approach to the development and implementation of government policy.

The graduate program is an 18-month program based in Canberra, where graduates are given the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of Government priorities and policies, across a broad range of areas.

It does so by providing advice and support to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Cyber security

The work of the PM&C involves:

The PM&C launches its ‘Cyber Security Strategy’ in 2016. The Strategy has worked towards developing a national cyber partnership between government researchers and businesses to strengthen cyber defences, encouraging global responsibility and improve the security, openness and freedom of the internet.

• • • •

Supporting the Prime Minister Providing advice on the Government’s domestic and foreign policy Overseeing national security matters Coordinating government administration, inter- governmental relations and communications between the governments of each state and territory.

Previous graduates have: • • •

Prepared briefs for the Prime Minister Drafted speeches for ministers Assisted with new policy proposals and cabinet submissions.

The Department also takes part in the APS Indigenous Graduate Program.

APPLICATION PROCESS Applications for the Graduate Program open in March and may be made online.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Veteran Support Legislation Administration

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs delivers government programs for war veterans, members of the Australian Defence Force, members of the Australian Federal Police and their dependants.

The Graduate Program is based in Canberra and is a structured 11-month development program. Three work placements are offered over the year in the generalist and ICT streams.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

These placements provide individuals with the opportunity to be placed in several business areas within DVA, such as the:

Employees provide support and provide information for:

• •

What does the DVA value in applicants?

• •

•

The Department looks for people who:

• •

•

•

• • • • • • • •

Have good communication and interpersonal skills Are dedicated to providing great service and achieving results Are flexible, adaptable, and self-motivated Have well developed conceptual and analytical abilities.

Support strategic direction Achieve results Support productive working relationships Display personal drive and integrity Communicates with influence

• • •

Veterans and their dependents Australian Defence Force personnel War widows/widowers Australian participants in British Nuclear Tests in Australia Members of the Australian

Federal Police, Students Teachers Historians

• • • • •

Secretary’s office Commemorations and War Graves Division Rehabilitation and Support Division Health and Community Services Division Corporate Division Transformation Division Legal Services, Assurance and Deregulation Branch Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service

Graduates with skills in these areas are valued: • • • • • •

Accountancy, Commerce, Business, and Finance Statistics, Data Analytics, and Actuarial Studies Communication and Media Social and Behavioural Sciences Law and Policy Medical and Allied Health

APPLICATION PROCESS The application process involves an application, online testing stage, and an assessment centre.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Employment Law

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Fair Work Commission is Australia’s national workplace relations tribunal. It is an independent body with power to carry out a range of functions under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), including:

There are no formal graduate programs in place, however, vacancies can be found on their Careers Page.

• • •

Annual Wage Review

•

The Fair Work Commission is currently in the process of reviewing annual wages, including the minimum award wages for the financial year. As part of the review, reference is taken to criteria set out in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

•

•

Providing a safety net of minimum conditions, including minimum wages in awards Facilitating good faith bargaining and enterprise agreement making Dealing with applications in relation to unfair dismissal Administering the regulation of industrial action Resolving a range of collective and individual workplace disputes through conciliation, mediation and in some cases public tribunal hearings Functions in connection with workplace determinations, equal remuneration, transfer of business, general protections, right of entry and stand down.

Applicants may also place their details on the temporary employment register online. This provides an opportunity for poitential applicants to register an expression of interest for employment with the commission.

APPLICATION PROCESS To find vacanies, please visit the Careers Page: https://www.fwc.gov.au/about-us/ careers

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees are placed in the: • Client Services Branch • Corporate Services Branch • Tribunal Services Branch Employees are involved in work ranging from communications, governance reporting, and case management, to research, and case arbitration.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Employment Law

Penalising wage theft of overseas workers The Ombudsman has recently secured a penalty of $27,000 against the former manager of a Surfer’s Paradise Oliver Brown Café for underpaying and exploiting overseas workers.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Fair Work Ombudsman promotes harmonious, productive and cooperative workplaces. They help employees, employers, contractors and the community to understand and comply with Australia’s workplace laws.

They provide information and advice, investigate workplace complaints and enforce Commonwealth workplace laws.

There are no formal graduate programs in place at the Fair Work Ombudsman.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees are engaged in a broad range of work, including work in: • Dispute Resolution and Compliance • Advice, Support and Assistance • Proactive Compliance and Education • Policy, Media and Communications • Information Technology • Major Project Management • People • Finance, Research and Governance • Legal

APPLICATION PROCESS Any vacancies can be found on the Fair Work Ombudsman Careers Page, using this link https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ careers/current-vacancies.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Freedom of Information Privacy Law Technology and Data

Notifiable breaches scheme Providing your personal information to your favourite store to receive a 10% discount on your birthday sounds great, but what happens when there is a data breach and your personal information is in the hands of someone you don’t know?

The OAIC tackles these very issues, assisting in the creation of legislation to come into force under the Australian Privacy Act in February 2018, retail businesses with an annual turnover of $3 million or more, or those that trade in personal information, will be required to comply with the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme (NBD). Under the scheme these organisations must notify all those individuals affected by a data breach where there is likely to be serious harm.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is an independent statutory agency within the Attorney General’s portfolio. Within the one agency the OAIC brings together the functions of information policy advice and independent oversight of privacy protection and freedom of information. The OAIC’s vision is to create a community where government information is managed as a national resource and personal information is respected and protected.

The OAIC does not have a graduate program for law students.

Opportunities that arise can be found at:

The three primary functions of the OAIC are: • •

•

Privacy functions, bestowed by the Privacy Act 1988 among other laws Freedom of information functions, in particular the oversight of the operation of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the review of decisions made under the Act Government information policy functions

https://www.oaic.gov.au/about-us/ careers

APPLICATION PROCESS To apply for a job at the OAIC these are considered: • Eligibility – Australian Citizen or in the process of becoming a citizen.

• Resume – no longer than 4 pages with a cover letter no longer than 2 pages.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? At the OAIC, lawyers: • Handle and investigate complaints • Review decisions made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and issue determinations • Monitor agency administration and provide advice to people and larger businesses and government departments

37

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Commercial Law Financial and Corruption Law Criminal Law Illegal imports and Exports Human Exploitation Border Protection

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Office of the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) is an independent prosecution service that was established to prosecute alleged offenders against Commonwealth law.

The CDPP does not currently have any opportunities for graduates. However, there are job vacancies on the website.

See here: https://cdppcareers.nga.net. au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.

It contributes to a fair, safe and just Australia, by providing an efficient independent prosecution service that brings offenders to justice. The CDPP is within the Attorney General’s portfolio, and the Director oversees the work of the CDPP’s four practice groups.

Counter terrorism and the CDPP Of contemporary interest is the work of the counter terrorism unit of the CDPP. The CDPP works seven days a week, with the help of the Australian Federal Police to contain potential acts of terror and to prevent the planning and funding of terrorist acts. The CDPP has been responsible for the finding and charging of those brought before our courts for terrorism offences, including the recent sentencing of a person who sent funds overseas with the aim of supporting an Islamic state organisation.

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WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

APPLICATION PROCESS

Employees practice in several areas of law, including:

Applications lodged to the careers board require completion of a set of questions. This includes:

• • • •

Commercial, Financial and Corruption Revenue and Benefit Fraud Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Illegal Imports and Exports, Human Exploitation and Border Protection Lawyers at the CDPP are also involved in extradition and mutual assistance work where they assist in the investigation and prosecution of transnational and international crime.

Lawyers employed at the CDPP further assist with publications, law reform work and maintain a limited role in criminal confiscation.

• • • •

• •

Personal Particulars Education Qualifications Employment History A summary addressing the competencies for the position (please note the allocated word limit). See next heading for further details.

Referee Details You will also be required to attach your Resume/Curriculum Vitae (and Academic Transcript if applicable).

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Employment Law

The Treasury’s focus on global economic integration In the Treasury’s 2018-2019 Corporate Plan, the body has demonstrated a commitment to support strong, sustainable economic growth in the international context. In achieving this goal, the Treasury is continually involved in international meetings such as the G20 and APEC forums, as well as through involvement with international financial institutions like the IMF, World Bank and public investment funds. In light of growing global mobility, the Treasury seeks to use these forums to ensure that there is a safe and inclusive workplace for Australian staff posted overseas.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

As a central policy agency, the Treasury is expected to anticipate and analyse policy issues with a whole-of-economy perspective, understand government and stakeholder circumstances, and respond rapidly to changing events and directions.

The Treasury runs a two year graduate program for high achieving students. Graduates contribute to policy development in areas such as financial services, fiscal policy, foreign investment, tax policy and structural reform to support growth in living standards.

Treasury provides sound economic analysis and authoritative policy advice on issues such as: the economy, budget, taxation, financial sector, foreign investment, structural policy, superannuation, small business, housing affordability and international economic policy.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? The Treasury offers a wide availability of roles across finance, economics, law and IT. The primary work of the treasury is providing advice, analysis and legislation to the Government that aims to support the effective management of the Australian economy.

Treasury employees work on policy issues, provide advice and analysis that influences almost every sector of the economy.

The Treasury promises a challenging and rewarding career for graduates.

You will develop a diverse range of approaches to policy-making and experience Australia’s fast-paced policy and political environment.

As part of the program, you will have two 1-year rotations. Ahead of your final placement, you will have the opportunity to experience different areas of the department and contribute to the breadth of work that Treasury leads.

The graduate program is run in Canberra, and applicants must be willing to move to and live in Canberra for the duration of the program.

APPLICATION PROCESS Treasury Applications open on the treasury graduate program website in early March, with shortlisting and interviews happening between MayJuly. First-round offers are made near the end of July.

To find out more about the graduate program, see the link below: https://graduates.treasury.gov.au/

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Criminal Law Family Law Civil Law

Road to Recovery at the Drug Court Legal Aid NSW takes part in a therapeutic program at the NSW Drug Courts in Parramatta and Toronto, helping to rehabilitate people with drug addictions caught up in the criminal justice system. The program promotes a humane and practical response to offenders with alcohol and drug problems, using the courts to reduce the negative effects of drugs and alcohol on individuals and society.

The role of Legal Aid NSW is to advocate that its clients are eligible and appropriate participants for this program. Legal Aid NSW continues to provide legal advice and advocacy for the duration of the program.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Legal Aid NSW is a state-wide organisation that provides legal services to disadvantaged clients across NSW in most areas of criminal, family and civil law. Legal Aid NSW delivers legal services in partnership with the private legal profession through grants of legal aid; with private lawyers often representing over 40% of legal aid clients.

Legal Aid NSW Also administers funding for a range of community partnership programs, such as Community Legal Centres and the Children’s Court Assistance Program.

Legal Aid NSW offers PLT placements that run for a minimum of 80 days.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Services include: • •

•

Free confidential face-to-face legal advice on most issues; Legal representation for eligible clients, provided through duty services and case grants for ongoing representation; and Free workshops and webinars for the public and community organisations.

There are also a number of opportunities available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

The Bob Bellear Legal Career Pathways program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students offers: • Legal Cadetship - paid work placement of 12 weeks per year and financial support offered to undergraduate law students • Professional Legal Placements - law graduates complete their PLT to gain admission into legal practice • Graduate Career Development program for Aboriginal law graduates - two year placement in two legal practice areas for law graduates who have completed PLT and are eligible for admission • Identified positions and targeted recruitment for legal and administrative roles

APPLICATION PROCESS For application deadlines and to learn more about undertaking PLT at Legal Aid NSW, keep up to date with Experiential Learning emails sent to your university email. Queries can be sent to experiential@unsw.edu.au.

More information on the application process for programs available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander can be found by accessing the link below: https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/ about-us/working-at-legal-aid/judgebob-bellear-legal-career-pathwaysprogram

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Criminal Law Research and Litigation

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) is the independent investigative commission that oversees the NSW Police Force and NSW Crime Commission. It strengthens law enforcement integrity by preventing, detecting and investigating any misconduct and maladministration within law enforcement in NSW.

The LECC offers a wide range of career options. The Office of the LECC has a number of specifically legal roles.

However, there is no formal graduate or internship program available.

It was established in 2017, replacing the Police Integrity Commission and Police Compliance Branch of the NSW Ombudsman.

LECC Operation Carlow finds serious NSW Police Force misconduct In early 2019, the LECC found that a NSW Police Force officer engaged in serious officer misconduct after the Commission held a number of private hearings in 2018. The Commission found that the officer engaged in perjury after he admitted to having lied in court with when testifying on a drink driving charge.

More information on Operation Carlow, as well as other investigations conducted in 2019 can be found using the link below: https://www.lecc.nsw.gov. au/investigations/pastinvestigations/2019.

The two functions of the LECC are the detecting and investigating misconduct and corruption, and overseeing the handling of complaints.

APPLICATION PROCESS There is no formal application process.

Any opportunities at the LECC are listed on the NSW Government Careers website ‘I Work for NSW’, which can be found here: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees can expect to conduct work overseeing the commission. This includes: • • •

• •

Auditing the operations of the commission Investigating commissioners operations or any conduct Creating reports to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Ombudsman and the Crime Commission.

Reviewing performance Examine trends and changes concerning police officer or crime commission officer misconduct, practices and methods relating to such conduct

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Child Protection Commercial Law Constitutional Law Administrative Law Criminal Law Employment Law Property & Native Title Torts

Diverse Culture The CSO is an equal opportunity employer. Like other NSW Government agencies, it seeks to employ individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, and aims to have a workforce made up of employees of different ages, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, sexual orientation, religious belief, work experience, and educational background”. Lea Armstrong, the current NSW Crown Solicitor, is the first woman to be appointed to the role, and the organisation has a high number of women in senior and leadership roles.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office provides legal services to the NSW State Government and its agencies. The Crown Solicitor does not provide legal services to the general public.

The CSO offers a two-year Graduate Solicitor Program with four, six month rotations across legal practice groups to gain professional training and development. There is a potential for permanent employment being offered at the end of the program.

Rather, it engages in core legal services in matters of government ministerial portfolios, constitutional powers and privileges of the State and Commonwealth, issues regarding governmental responsibility, and matters of the Attorney-General.

For students, paralegal positions are available for practical legal training purposes within their law degree.

APPLICATION PROCESS

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

Applicants may apply through the http://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/ website.

Employees provide a range of legal services in matters relating to government. These include:

The recruitment process involves: • Online Application • Brief phone interview • Capability-based assessment • Single panel interview or a series of interviewers with assessors

• • • •

Legal representation in litigation, inquests or other inquiries Drafting of documentation and agreements including intergovernmental agreements Assisting Royal Commissions in their work Providing training and information for government agencies

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Criminal Law Law Reform

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Department’s purpose is to provide a fairer, faster, more focused justice system with programs and services for the community.

The Justice Strategy and Policy division has a summer clerkship providing the opportunity for penultimate students to gain experience in formulating government policy, law reform and Parliamentary practice.

The Department is part of the Justice Cluster – twelve agencies which work to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the justice system in NSW, including but not limited to the Judicial Commission of NSW, Legal Aid, NSW Police Force and the Crown Solicitor’s Office.

Mandatory Data Breach Notification The Department of Communities and Justice is seeking feedback on whether a mandatory reporting scheme for data breaches should be adopted under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.

The Department of Communities and Justice is seeking feedback on: •

•

Whether a mandatory reporting scheme for data breaches by NSW public sector agencies should be implemented in NSW If a mandatory reporting scheme is implemented in NSW, how the scheme should operate.

The Department is made up of eleven divisions including Courts and Tribunal Services, Justice Strategy and Policy, Juvenile Justice, Corrective Services NSW, Office for Police and Office of Emergency Management.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees are responsible for a range of program reformation and development initiatives including: • • • • •

Implementing intervention and diversionary programs Advising the government on law, justice and legal reforms Supervising and monitoring offenders Providing legal and regulatory services Providing support services

Potential tasks to be undertaken include: • • • •

Preparing briefing notes for the Attorney General and other ministers Liaising with stakeholders Conducting in-depth analysis on proposed Bills and policy reform Writing speeches and conducting research

APPLICATION PROCESS Penultimate students should apply in July for the 2020-2021 summer clerkship. https://www.justice.nsw.gov.au/ justicepolicy/Pages/lpclrd/lpclrd_ clerkship.aspx For graduate opportunities, see the NSW Government Graduate Program on page 44.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Policy work Legal work

Virtual Internships with the NSW Government Graduate Program Want a taste of the work NSW Government Graduates do before committing to applying? Try the virtual internship on Inside Sherpa.

This is designed to give students insight into the tasks graduates complete while building key skills. https://www.insidesherpa.com/ virtual-internships/prototype/ LEvP9qwXSHsaZDBnB/NSWGovernment-Virtual-Program

ABOUT THE GRADUATE PROGRAM The NSW Government Graduate Program provides the opportunity for students to rotate across three different government agencies. The program provides 18 months’ experience. On successful completion of the program, students will be offered an ongoing (permanent) role within the NSW Government.

From 2020 onwards, graduates can apply to be considered for two streams: • Primary Stream • Legal Stream (New)

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Policy Graduates have a variety of roles in policy making initiatives including research and analytics, participating in project work, assisting the implementation of strategies and process improvements and preparing reports and correspondence. You will also work towards a Diploma of Government qualification, which helps to ease the transition from university to work life and provides foundational government knowledge.

The Legal Stream is designed for graduates looking for legal career within NSW Government. You will gain experience in litigation, providing legal advice and developing policy, and work towards a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. To be eligible for this stream, you will have recently completed a law degree (in the last two years) and be willing to study towards a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS Agencies participating in the program include: • Department of Communities and Justice • Department of Customer Service • Department of Education • Department of Planning, Industry and Environment • HealthShare NSW • Department of Premier & Cabinet • Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) • Ministry of Health • Legal Aid • Landcom • Public Service Commission • TAFE NSW • The Treasury • Transport for NSW

APPLICATION PROCESS Students in their final year apply through the online application, followed by a pre-assessment centre including an online video component and personality assessment.

See here for the 2021 Graduate Program Expression of Interest: https://www.psc. nsw.gov.au/workforce-management/ recruitment/nsw-governmentgraduate-program/2021-graduateprogram---expression-of-interest/2021expression-of-interest

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Policy

Reviewing information access and publication rules in the modern age In 2019, the NSW Law Reform Commission has been reviewing the rules surrounding information access, disclosure and publication in NSW courts and tribunals. On the Attorney General’s direction, the Commission is reviewing the operation of suppression and nonpublication orders and how rules relating to access to information affect open justice in NSW. In reaching a recommendation, the Commission will balance issues such as the effectiveness of nonpublication orders in the digital environment, and whether there are any appropriate alternatives.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The NSW Law Reform Commission provides legal policy advice to Government on issues referred by the Attorney-General. They prepare reports which analyse the identified issues and make recommendations to government for legislative law.

It strives to ensure consistency between Commonwealth and State legislation.

The Internship Program is a four-week full-time volunteer opportunity over the winter university holidays. This runs for two months during July and August and is a paid internship.

The Law Reform Commission seeks to improve and modernise the law whilst removing defects, simplifying and repealing unnecessary laws to provide improved access to justice.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees conduct various tasks such as: • •

•

Employees conduct initial research through literature reviews and consultation on key issues They then release consultation papers, invite submissions, and conduct consultation sessions with community members, interest groups, experts, NGOs and Government agencies Following research and submissions, a final report is produced to make recommendations for reform

Students work with Commissioners and law reform staff for: • • •

The development of proposals for law reform Drafting consultation documents Drafting reports

Penultimate or recent graduates are encouraged to apply, however students from all years are able to apply as long as they are available to work full time as volunteers for the four weeks.

APPLICATION PROCESS A Follow @NSWLawReform on Twitter and Facebook to see when Winter 2020 applications open.

Typically, this will open March each year. https://www.lawreform.justice.nsw.gov. au/Pages/lrc/lrc_internship/Internshipmain-page.aspx

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Criminal Law

ABOUT POLICE PROSECUTORS

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

NSW Police Prosecutors are responsible for prosecuting matters on behalf of the NSW Police Force as well as other government agencies in Local Courts, Children’s Courts and the Coroner’s Courts in over 150 locations across the State. Police prosecutors are responsible for prosecuting 95% of all criminal cases in New South Wales.

After graduating with a law degree, students can undergo fast track admission to becoming a police prosecutor through their ‘Accelerated Prosecutor Recruitment Program’.

Police prosecutors can expect to appear in mentions, fuller cases, sentencing hearings and defended hearings.

Journey to a Police Prosecutor

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

•

Police prosecuters provide legal advice to all levels of the NSW Police Office. Often this involves supporting major operations and serious crime investigations with strategic legal advice. Units within the Police Prosecutions Command include: • Coroners Court • Operational Legal Advice Unit • Covert Applications Unit • Exewcutive Legal Supoport Unit • Prosecution Support Unit

•

•

•

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Upon attestation from the Police Academy the APRP officer will commence duty at their assigned Metropolitan Police Area Command and continue their ADPP studies.

After 12 months duty at their PAC, the officer will be eligible for transfer to Police Prosecutions Command, when a position is available.

The APRP officer commences their Prosecutor Education Program as a Trainee Prosecutor.

With the successful conclusion of approximately 12 months class and practical instruction, the APRP officer is appointed a Police Prosecutor.

Under this program graduates are required to work as general duties police officers for one year after completing course requirements and are then admitted as police prosecutors. Alternatively, those without a law degree can apply to become a prosecutor after three years of performing general duties as a police officer.

APPLICATION PROCESS Information on the Accelerated Prosecutor Recruitment Program recruitment dates for 2020 will be provided early next year. In previous years, applications closed on 31 May and interviews commenced on 11 June.

Information on how and when to apply can be found at: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/ recruitment/the_career/accelerated_ prosecutors_recruitment_program

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Criminal Law Research and Litigation

Education and criminal justice The ODPP has sought to educate the broader community about criminal justice. It has recently released fact sheets and media publications on Victim Impact Statements (VIS). By providing this information to the public, more people will be able to gain an understanding of the factors considered in sentencing and will further assist victims in achieving a just trial.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is the independent prosecutorial body representing the Crown in New South Wales state criminal proceedings. The ODPP works by conducting prosecutions on behalf of the community, handling over 18,000 matters a year.

The ODPP’s 12-month Legal Development Program offers graduates:

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

•

Lawyers and other employees at the ODPP will find themselves involved in matters across all levels of courts.

The types of matters that are dealt with by the ODPP vary and include both trial and appellate matters. While the ODPP is based in Sydney there are three Western Sydney offices and six other regional offices.

• • •

• •

Paid practical legal experience in criminal prosecutions Ongoing on the job training and access to professional development Formal feedback and informal networking An assigned lawyer serving as a mentor Excellent working conditions with flexible work practices Challenging work that makes a difference

The Program may also contribute to your PLT program.

APPLICATION PROCESS These positions are advertised on an ad hoc basis and when available these positions will be advertised on online. https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Criminal Law

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Public Defenders are salaried barristers independent of the government who appear for clients granted legal aid in serious matters. A Public Defender may be briefed to advise or appear in a matter through the Legal Aid Commission, the Aboriginal Legal Services or any community-based legal group.

The Public Defenders offer internships to law students in the form of unpaid and paid work experience. Unpaid work experience is offered to law students while paid work experience is limited to successful candidates from the Aboriginal Law Graduates Program.

Under the paid work experience program Aboriginal law graduates meet professional practical requirements enabling them to become a solicitor or barrister.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Encouraging research

Public Defenders work to:

Within their legal research work the Public Defenders create tables that assist in research. These tables are all made available to the public and therefore work to educate broader society on the criminal justice system and its processes.

The Public Defenders have created sentencing tables for serious offences that may have to be dealt with by the Public Defenders and Evidence Act tables.

• •

Other research resources released are papers by the Public Defenders, outlining cases and conferences, In-house Seminar Papers and ‘Criminal Law Survival Kit’.

•

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• • •

Represent accused persons Appear in arraignments and sentence matters in District and Supreme Courts Appear in some murder committals in the Local Court Appear in appeals in the Court of Criminal Appeal and the High Court Contribute to reform through submissions to the Attorney- General and government committees Assist in legal education through seminars, lectures, writing papers and providing work experience for students and new barristers

APPLICATION PROCESS Any enquiries about work opportunities should be directed to the Chambers Manager: Tel: 02 9268 3122 email: ruth.heazlewood@justice.nsw. gov.au See more at: https://www.publicdefenders.nsw.gov. au/Pages/public_defenders_intern.aspx

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

The Judiciary

Improvement for Indigenous Lawyers For over a decade, the Bar Association has worked to improve the educational path for Aboriginal law students studying at NSW universities and to assist in providing career development opportunities and career prospects for Aboriginal lawyers through the Indigenous Barristers Trust The Mum Shirl Fund. The goal is to increase the number of Aboriginal barristers practising at the New South Wales Bar. This special trust fund, established in 2001 helps meet the needs of Indigenous Law Students, graduates and barristers.

ABOUT The New South Wales Bar Association is a professional association for practising barristers and associate members, such as clerks and judges. A barrister is an advocate for clients in courts.

Barristers do not work in firms but rather work independently and receive ‘briefs’ from many different clients. Many barristers may work in a Chamber, in which case they share office space with other barristers. This enables them to practice in the same legal legal field, maintaining a specialist knowledge. Barristers can practice within large range of legal issues from appellate cases to constitutional law.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO BARRISTERS DO? Barristers work to: • Takingcasesincourtsandtribunals • Drafting legal pleadings • Researching and providing expert legal opinions

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS As barrister’s work alone there are no clerkship opportunities. However, students may wish to contact barristers to take up roles as a research assistant.

A list of barristers is on the NSW Bar website: http://www.nswbar.asn.au/ findabarrister/

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR BECOMING A BARRISTER 1. Admission as a lawyer in an Australian jurisdiction. This requires a completion of a law degree and the Practical Legal Training (PLT) 2. Passing NSW Bar Exam. The Bar Exam covers advocacy, legal ethics, aspects of evidence, and practice and procedure for barristers. The exam is offered twice a year in February and June. A mark of 75% must be obtained to pass.

3. Completing the Reading Programme. A new barrister must remain under the supervision of at least one experienced barrister for 12 months. New barristers must also complete a number of requirements including 10 days civil and 10 days of criminal reading For more information go to: http:// www.nswbar.asn.au/coming-to-the-bar

Information about the fund, and how to donate can be found here: https://nswbar.asn.au/becoming-abarrister/indigenous-lawyers

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

ASSOCIATESHIP AND TIPSTAFF POSITIONS

The Judiciary

UNSW Associateship and Tipstaff Event 2019 The LawSoc Public Interest Careers team ran the Associateship and Tipstaff Panel in 2019 featuring UNSW alumni: Rebecca Iacono, Isha Fay, Zoe Graus, Brigid McManus, Emily Azar and David Yang. The panel provided insights into the application process, nature of the work and the level of experience required.

See here for notes taken during the event: https://docs.google.com/ document/d/1sWoyJ3xm8RqIC8rQ fk4o3dV6cSqvEBnFlQqx32Pc4Ao/ edit#heading=h.gjdgxs

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Judiciary is the legal arm of the government made up of judges and magistrates in all the courts of Australia. An Associate or Tipstaff position provides graduates with the opportunity to work alongside some of the country’s leading barristers, solicitors and Judges.

Generally, students in their final or penultimate year of LLB or JD will apply directly to the judge or court with whom they wish to work. In deciding where to apply, students should consider: • The caseload or jurisdiction of the Court in light of your interests or future career plans.

• An individual judge’s own specialisation (for instance, a judge may be known for their particular expertise in an area).

The District Court of NSW, Federal Court of Australia and High Court of Australia offer roles as an Associate to a judge or as a legal research officer within the court’s registry. The Supreme Court of NSW offers graduate roles as a Tipstaff to a judge or a legal researcher. Other courts and tribunals also offer Associate or researcher roles.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? A Judge’s Associate/Tipstaff undertakes a combination of legal and administrative tasks similar to a personal assistant or research assistant to a specific Judge. The workload of an Associate/Tipstaff all depend on the discretion of their appointing Judge.

Appointment is to a law graduate and for a period of generally one year.

APPLICATION PROCESS There is no standard procedure to obtain one of these positions. However it is recommended to contact each of your judge’s chambers to inquire about their application timing and procedures.

The ALSA Associateship guide publishes in-depth information of different application procedures for different courts.

This can be found at http://www.alsa. asn.au/publications/#publications2.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Aboriginal Service

Insight into the the ALS’ Care and Family practice The Care and Family practice, within ALS, seeks to retain Aboriginal children in the care of their families and ensure all Aboriginal children who are placed in care retain strong connections to their Aboriginal family, community and culture. Work in this area included providing a submission to the review of the Family Law System, where the ALS identified issues relating to child removals by the Department of Family and Community Services.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) is a proud Aboriginal community organisation. They opened their doors in 1970 in Redfern as the first Aboriginal Legal Service in Australia – making them over 40 years old!

There are many opportunities for students to be involved with the ALS. The Student Legal Volunteer Program allows students to work closely with ALS Solicitors and staff to understand the workings of a Criminal law or a Children’s Care and Protection Law practice in an Aboriginal community organisation setting.

ALS operates as a non-government legal service providing culturally appropriate information and referral, and legal advice and court representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children across NSW and ACT. ALS has 22 offices and almost 200 staff across NSW and the ACT, with almost 44% of whom are Aboriginal. They employ 91 solicitors, 26 field officers and 83 admin officers in 24 offices and branches across New South Wales and the ACT. Ultimately their mission to getting justice for Aboriginal people and the community.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? The ALS does legal work primarily in Criminal law, Children’s Care and Protection law and Family law. They also provide information and referral in civil law and assist with work and development orders and custody notification. They support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children through representation in court, advice and information, and referral to further support services.

Student legal volunteers receive good hands-on training in: • Legal research • Drafting submissions, letters and Court documents • Attending Court with Solicitors, • Preparing briefs for Counsel and much more.

All ALS offices have the capacity to manage Student Legal Volunteers.

APPLICATION PROCESS For information about how to apply, email the Redfern Office Manager Sheri: sheri.misaghi@alsnswact.org.au

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Arts Law Media Law Intellectual Property

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Arts Law is Australia’s independent national community legal centre for the arts, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.

The Arts Law Centre offers volunteer opportunities to students.

Arts Law provides free or low cost specialised legal advice, education and resources to Australian artists and arts organisations across all art forms, on a wide range of arts related legal and business matters.

This includes:

Cracking down on fake Indigenous art The Arts Law Centre of Australia, the Indigenous Art Code and Copyright Agency Viscopy launched the Fake Art Harms Culture campaign at the 2016 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. Arts Law called for the Government to tackle the problem of fake ‘Indigenous’ arts and craft being sold in Australia, harming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and incomes.

Federal MP Bob Katter joined the campaign, introducing a private member’s bill in early 2017 to stop the sale of fake art. In August 2017 the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs established an inquiry into the growing presence of inauthentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and craft products and merchandise for sale across Australia.

• • • • • • •

contracts copyright business structures defamation insurance employment taxation

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees are involved in giving legal advice, while also focusing on legal education for Australian arts organisations and artists.

Volunteers are the first point of contact for clients and are tasked with providing information and taking accurate legal instructions.

Volunteers may also conduct legal research for the solicitors, get involved with advocacy projects, sit in on legal advice sessions as note-takers and assist with the general administration of a legal centre.

APPLICATION PROCESS To be eligible for a volunteer position, students must: • • •

Be in at least the third year of study towards a law degree Have completed intellectual property or media law subjects Have a strong interest and/or experience in the arts (desirable)

Volunteers must commit to at least one day a week for at least 6 months.

See more at: https://www.artslaw.com. au/support/volunteer/

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Environmental law

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Environmental Defenders Office New South Wales (EDO NSW) is a community legal centre specialising in public interest environmental law.

They help people who want to protect the environment through law. Their core functions are: legal advice and litigation, policy and law reform, public engagement and education.

The EDO NSW offers Legal Volunteer positions for law students. Legal volunteers make a commitment to work at least one day per week for at least three months. Legal volunteers undertake legal research, draft advice, collate briefs and attend court.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Calling to an end a lethal control program targeting native sharks In early 2019, the Environmental Defenders Office represented plaintiffs who challenged a Queensland government lethal shark control program which targeted 19 shark species, including threatened and protected species. In April 2019, after an appeal, the Federal Court found that the Shark Control Program within the Marine Park must avoid the lethal take of sharks. This victory was also beneficial to a variety of marine life in the Great Barrier Reef, including sharks, dolphins, turtles and rays species.

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Each year the EDO NSW provides free legal advice to more than 1,000 individuals and community groups across NSW. They also run free legal workshops for local communities. EDO NSW has run a number of landmark legal cases in the courts and undertakes policy and law reform work at both the State and Federal level. EDO NSW also operates an Aboriginal Engagement Program, a Scientific Advisory Service, an Outreach Program and an International Program providing assistance to legal groups in the south Pacific.

The EDO NSW is also able to supervise PLT students, who must be able to commit at least three days per week for at least three months. Priority will be given to those who have previously volunteered at EDO NSW.

APPLICATION PROCESS In order to apply for a legal volunteer position, law students must have studied planning and/or environmental law. To find the volunteer application form, see below: https://www.edonsw.org.au/join_us

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Medical Law Human Rights Law Policy

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The HIV AIDS Legal Centre (HALC) is a not-for-profit, specialist community legal centre that provides free comprehensive legal assistance to people in NSW with HIV or Hepatitisrelated legal matters.

The HIV/AIDS Legal Centre provides volunteer placements for law students, particularly those undertaking their practical legal training (PLT) requirement prior to admission as a legal practitioner.

The HIV/AIDS Legal Centre also undertakes Community Legal Education and Law Reform activity in areas relating to HIV and Hepatitis.

Volunteers at HALC are supervised by our employed solicitors and have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of our work, including direct client contact; involvement in numerous and diverse matters; usually some court appearances; submission writing; drafting of legal documents; strategising for client outcomes and hands on carriage (with supervision) of matters.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? A specialist role in community engagement and law reform As the only specialist HIV legal centre in Australia, HALC is ideally placed to contribute to law reform in areas affecting people with HIV. HALC has coal-face experience of the legal issues faced by people with HIV, to inform advocacy for law reform. In 2017, HALC was involved in the ongoing statutory review of the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW), with the centre preparing detailed submissions in respect of a number of proposed amendments, and participating in community forums.

Employees tackle the severe stigma and discrimination associated with HIV by providing specialist legal services to vulnerable people living with HIV in Australia.

Employees are involved tasks such as creating publications, giving direct legal advice, and creating government submissions.

APPLICATION PROCESS Volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of 3 days per week, and students undertaking their Practical Legal Training (PLT) placement are required to commit to a minimum of 4 days per week.

Applicants are required to send their CV and Cover Letter.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

ABOUT Youth Law

Examples of Youth Law Australia’s work Youth Law Australia has provided free information packages for a number of different topics. These include: • Cars and Driving • Courts, police and the law • Employment • Getting official documents • Health, love and sex • Internet, phones and technology • Money, tax and welfare • Public Transport • School • Teen issues • Violence and Harm See more here: https://yla.org.au/ nsw/topics/

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Youth Law Australia is a community legal service that is dedicated to helping children and young people in Australia and their supporters to find a legal solution to their problems.

Previously named the National Children’s and Youth Law Centre and known as Lawstuff, they are Australia’s only national, technology-based community legal service. They are dedicated to addressing the human rights abuses of children and young people in Australia. They believe in equality and justice for all children and young people, and work to achieve this by connecting and empowering young Australians with free legal information and knowledge. In other words, they work to help keep more children in school, out of trouble and free from bullying, harassment or child abuse.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Youth Law Australia’s volunteer service works across three key areas. Firstly, they provide free and confidential legal advice, assistance and referrals to young people and their advocates.

Anyone under 25 (and their advocate) can request and receive free and confidential legal advice through their innovative online service that is available 24/7. Secondly, they monitor and advocate for the rights and best interests of young people in Australia.

Youth Law Australia is a member of the Child Rights Taskforce, and through this role they assist in drafting and reviewing reports made to the UN

on the state of children’s rights observance in Australia. Finally, they undertake leading research, law reform and school-based legal education to empower young people.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS Youth Law Australia has a specific Student Legal Volunteer Program.

Youth Law Australia accepts volunteer applications from penultimate and final year law students. A successful candidate will be a passionate and highly motivated Law student with strong skills in legal research and writing. A placement will provide you with the unique opportunity to gain skills in drafting legal advice and undertaking legal research in all areas of the law throughout Australia.

APPLICATION PROCESS To apply, students should forward their CV, covering letter, available days and academic transcript to admin@yla.org. au.

Successful applicants are contacted to complete a written exercise and attend a face to face interview.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Pro Bono

Finding support for the Cancer Council’s Pro Bono Program The Australian Pro Bono Centre was involved in the setup and ongoing management of AMP Legal’s project with the Cancer Council. When AMP Legal sought to establish an alignment with a charity, the Australian Pro Bono Centre provided strategic advice as well as helpful resources such as an in-house pro bono guide. The team at AMP Legal felt there was most alignment with the Cancer Council, and the Cancer Council continues to be AMP’s fundraising charity partner in 2019.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Australian Pro Bono Centre is an independent centre of expertise that aims to grow the capacity of the Australian legal profession to provide pro bono legal services that are focused on increasing access to justice for socially disadvantaged and/ or marginalised persons and furthering the public interest. The Centre does not provide legal advice or legal assistance or refer individuals to pro bono lawyers.

Individual case referrals are directed to appropriate legal services, including pro bono referral schemes and organisations which exist in all states and territories of Australia.

There is no specific volunteering program at Australian Pro Bono Centre.

Rather, they recommend volunteering at other Community Legal Centres across NSW, or getting involved in one of the twelve clinical courses UNSW offers.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

APPLICATION PROCESS The Australian Pro Bono Centre created Social Justice Opportunities.

The website provides information on the types of volunteering (and employment) opportunities available for students in the social justice sector.

See below to access this resource: http://www.sjopps.net.au/

The Australian Pro Bono Centre has three main areas of work. Firstly, they strengthen the place of pro bono legal work within the Australian legal profession as an integral part of legal practice. Secondly, they provide practical assistance to facilitate, and remove barriers to, the provision of pro bono legal services. Thirdly, they promote the pro bono legal work of the Australian legal profession.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Public Interest

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is an independent, non-profit law and policy organisation that tackles difficult social problems that impact on the lives of many Australians. They conduct test cases and strategic litigation in the public interest, and provide legal assistance, policy advice and training to create positive change to the lives of people who are disadvantaged and marginalised.

The main opportunity for students to work with PIAC is through an unpaid PLT placement. PLTs are supervised by a Senior Solicitor within their strategic litigation team and have an opportunity to work with lawyers and policy officers across the organisation. The major projects currently being undertaken

by PIAC with a strong legal component include the generalist strategic litigation practice and the Indigenous Justice Program.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Advocating for disability rights in emerging technology One of the 148 cases run by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre was challenging the accessibility of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s touch-screen EFTPOS machines. The new EFTPOS machines failed to consider the user requirements of people who were blind or vision impaired.

In January 2019, CBA settled a claim with plaintiffs who brought an action with the combined assistance of the PIAC and other not-for-profit organisations.

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PIAC aims to have a broad impact on the community through strategic litigation, particularly by running test cases, and ensuring access to justice.

They build on their success in test cases by working with government, business and our partners in the community to bring about changes to laws and policies to better protect people’s human rights. Also, they provide education and training for not- for-profit organisations and individuals to build the capacity within the community for creating positive change. This includes working with universities to train law students in social justice and public interest legal work.

APPLICATION PROCESS The next recruitment for PLTs is in November 2019. Applications are made via email. To stay updated on the recruitment stages and deadlines, see below: https://www.piac.asn.au/ about-%20us/careers/

For further information about future recruitment of PLTs, contact Senior Solicitor Mary Flanagan by email on mflanagan@piac.asn.au.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Community Legal Centre

Case Study: Tenancy Housing For 8 years Terence had lived with severe damp and mould. His bronchitis was excacerbated by the mould and Housing NSW was non-responsive.

Redfern Legal Centre helped Terence and a 7:30 Report did a story on his repair problems. After this the Housing NSW came and repaired the house.

More information here: https:// rlc.org.au/our-services/tenancyhousing

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Redfern Legal Centre (RLC) is an independent, non-profit community legal centre established in 1977. The RLC is dedicated to promoting social justice and human rights and provides free legal advice, referral, and casework to disadvantaged people and groups who live with its catchment area. A high proportion of the centre’s clients are from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The RLC is dedicated to community legal education and advocates for the reform of inequalities in laws, the legal system, administrative practices and society as a whole.

The RLC has a general intake of volunteer legal assistants. Volunteer Legal Assistants work one half-day shift per week for a minimum of twelve months. Morning shifts are Monday to Friday 9am-1pm, and afternoon shifts are Monday to Thursday 2pm-6pm and Friday 2pm-5pm. Legal Assistants must also attend two compulsory training sessions at Redfern Legal Centre.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? The RLC is acknowledged as a leader in providing quality legal services to the community. Lawyers provide free legal advice and casework, deliver community legal education and engage in law reform. They provide advice on a variety of legal issues including: employment law, discrimination, credit, debt, and consumer law, tenancy and housing, police complaints, review of some government decisions and care and protection. The RLC relies heavily on volunteer labour and pro-bono assistance from legal professionals to service a heavy caseload.

APPLICATION PROCESS Students should complete the online application form, which are linked on the website (https://rlc.org.au/jobsvolunteers/volunteer-legal-assistants/ how-apply) when applications open. In the online application form students should attach their current resume and statement addressing the selection criteria. Applications that do not address the selection criteria and directly emailed resumes will not be considered.

For further information about the application process and general intake dates contact Nick Manning, Front Office Coordinator at nick@rlc.org.au.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Immigration Law

Case Study: Layla’s Story Layla was sent to Nauru when she arrived in Australia, but was returned to Australia for medical treatment with her mother. Layla’s mother became seriously mentally ill and needed to come to Australia for urgent psychiatric treatment following serious levels of self harm.

The role at RACS is to advocate for individuals like Layla and her mother to remain in Australia, and give voice to their vulnerabilities, and the appalling treatment and lack of medical care received on Nauru.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Refugee Advice Casework Service (RACS) are a dedicated group of lawyers and strategic staff working to obtain safety and protection for ordinary people from all over the world. They have a team of 20+ lawyers, experienced in human rights and migration law, who dedicate themselves to achieving positive outcomes for their clients. Their staff come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, and several have refugee backgrounds themselves. RACs is united in their passion to uphold the rights of people seeking asylum and our aim to provide the best possible legal support to people applying for protection.

RACS does a general intake of Legal Student Volunteers are different times of the year. They advertise on https:// www.racs.org.au/volunteer/. Students must be willing to commit to at least one full day (9:30am-5:00pm) per week for a minimum period of three months and be in your second year or above in your university program.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

To apply students should email a cover letter setting out their interest in working at RACS and their CV to Reeve Koelmeyer at racsvolunteer@racs.org. au with the subject line “Volunteer Application”. In the application students should include their availability and state when they are available to start.

Also, note in the application if you can speak a second language.

RACS is involved in a diverse range of work in the area of human rights and refugee law. They give people information and advice about refugee law and the processes and they listen to the stories of people seeking asylum and help them present this information in a relevant manner so decision makers can determine their refugee status. RACS lawyers also represent children who are in Australia without their parents, they make complaints for people about serious violations of their human rights to the Australian and United Nations complaints bodies and write submissions, advocate and lobby for law reform.

Students will receive training and supervision. Responsibilities include research, form-filling, assisting with client enquiries, scheduling client appointments and various other administrative and legal tasks.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Social Security Law

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Welfare Rights Centre is a community legal centre specialising in social security law and its administration by Centrelink.

The WRC offers jobs and volunteering positions for students periodically throughout the year.

The WRC advises about social security rights, entitlements and obligations and assists people through the social security review and appeals system.

That system includes Centrelink internal review, the Social Security Appeals Tribunal and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Standing up against elder abuse The work of the Welfare Rights Centre (WRC) also extends to the areas of policy and law reform.

This includes a 2016 submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Elder Abuse Inquiry Issues Paper. The WRC was particularly versed in the topic because of its extensive casework of older people’s experience with the social security system.

The Centre also provides assistance to the community through community development, community education and training, law reform and lobbying.

APPLICATION PROCESS The Welfare Rights Centre (WRC) will be recruiting for the Semester 1 2020 volunteer intake in December 2019.

Check their careers website to stay updated: https://welfarerightscentre.org.au/ about-us/jobs-volunteers/

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees complete tasks such as providing legal advice to NSW residents, providing education on topics in social security law and policy, and pushing for law reform through writing in their blog and creating parliamentary submissions.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Family Law Criminal Law Social Security Law Wills and Estates

Wirringa Baiya Fact Sheets Wrringa Baiya provides a range of fact sheets that are distributed across NSW free of charge. These include: 1. Me and the Police – Explains your rights around being stopped, searched or detained by police.

2. Birth Alerts, Child Removals and Your Unborn Child – What you can do if there is a notification to Family and Community Services (FaCS/DoCS) about your unborn child.

3. Bullying – What is bullying and how to report it.

4. Domestic Violence and AVO’s – Info about domestic violence, what an AVO (Apprehended Violence Order) is and how to get an AVO. 5. Victims Support – Info about victims compensation - who can claim? Lodgment in NSW?

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Wirringa Baiya is a state-wide specialist community legal centre within a network of other community legal centres in NSW and Australia. The principles of self determination displayed by the founding members have carried over today with a Governing Board entirely of Aboriginal women from a diverse range of ages and various communities.

Wirringa Baiya accepts expressions of interest for legal and non legal volunteers. Specifically, Wirringa Baiya accepts female volunteers wishing to complete their PLT at the Centre (depending on capacity).

Wirringa Baiya was created to fill a gap in the community legal centre space for Aboriginal women, who often were not able to receive services from the Aborignal Legal Centre due to conflicts of interest. These women often had to resort to generalist community legal centres. The words “Wirringa Baiya” are from traditional languages in the Sydney and Northern NSW areas and together the words mean, “women speak” which suitably, reflect the origins of the service.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Wirringa Baiya specialises in providing legal information, advice, casework, education and advocacy for Aboriginal women and children who are or have been, victims of violence in NSW. Wirringa Baiya focuses on supporting career development for young women and has provided a nurturing space for many young female Aboriginal law students and non-legal volunteers to participate in the work of the centre.

APPLICATION PROCESS If you are interested in volunteering at the Centre, email Wirringa Baiya at wirringa_baiya@clc.net.au.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Family Law Criminal Law Discrimination Law Employment Law

Creating access to domestic violence victims Recently, the WLS has partnered with Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria and WESNET on a national project to develop Australia-specific and Australiawide range of resources to assist victims of technology-assisted domestic violence and those who are trying to assist them.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

WLS NSW is an independent non-profit organisation which provides a voice for women in NSW, and promotes access to justice, particularly for women who are disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances.

WLS NSW offers volunteer placements to law students and may also have other volunteers working with WLS from time to time on particular projects.

WLS brings a feminist philosophy to its work which includes a deep understanding of the gendered nature of violence against women and the value of accessible information and advice about the law to empower women to make safe choices about their legal options.

•

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? From a feminist perspective, WLS NSW fosters legal and social change to redress the inequalities that women experience through: • Legal advice and casework • Community legal education • Law and policy reform

Applicants will usually:

• •

Be undertaking Practical Legal Training; or Have completed at least two years of a law or other relevant qualification, or Be undertaking a ‘practicing in the public interest’ or similar course.

APPLICATION PROCESS To apply for a student volunteer placement position, apply in writing to reception@wlsnsw.org.au.

See more at: https://www.wlsnsw.org.au/about-us/ volunteer-with-wls-nsw/

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Human Rights Law Employment Law Policy Criminal Law

The release of Hakeem alAraibi Recently, Amnesty has helped the release of a Melbourne-based footballer, Hakeem al-Araibi. He spent 76 days unjustly imprisoned in Thailand and faced deportation to Bahrain. Through Amensty International’s involvement, Thai authorities dropped the falsified case. Hakeem has arrived back to Melbourne on 12 February 2019 .

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Amnesty International works to protect and empower people. From abolishing the death penalty to combatting discrimination and defending refugee rights. Amnesty International speaks out on behalf of those whose freedom and dignity is under threat. Amnesty works to give a voice to those whose have been taken, ensuring their rights are upheld.

There is no set graduate program offered by Amnesty International.

However there are a variety of volunteer roles, internships and permanent positions offered.

Amnesty believes that cooperation on a domestic and global level will create a world where our most basic human rights are enjoyed by all.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees’ work can encompass all manner of things, including: • • • • • • • • • •

Media and public relations Finance Activism Legal and government relations Community campaigns Casework Administration Working with schools Social Media Indigenous Rights

https://www.amnesty.org.au/workwith-us/positions/

APPLICATION PROCESS Positions available are posted under the ‘Work with Us’ section of the Amnesty website. https://www.amnesty.org.au/workwithus/ You can also record your details into the register, which will recorded in the Amnesty system for future vacancies.

This is located here: https://applynow. net.au/jobs/ni/AIA3-no-vacancies-thatsuit-your-skills

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Native Title Land Rights Policy Development Advocacy Justice Health and Social Welfare Human Rights Community Development Environmental Policy

History The Aurora Project was established through the recommendations of Richard Potok’s Report into the Professional Development Needs of NTRB Lawyers in April 2005, which identified the difficulty in recruiting in-house lawyers and retaining those lawyers. Since then, Aurora has diversified its focus and is now supporting over 140 Indigenous sector organisations in Australia.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Aurora Project was established as primarily as a Native Title representative body but has grown to encompass a variety of projects in Indigenous education and Indigenous affairs.

Their vision is to generate growth, participation and achievement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in both the Australian and the global community.

Law students may apply for an Aurora Internship which consists of a vocational placement to gain hands on experience and insight into working in the Indigenous sector in Australia.

Interns are hosted by organisations working in native title, land rights, policy development, research and social justice, all with an Indigenous focus. Interns should expect a healthy balance of challenging and interesting tasks along with a fair amount of administrative tasks (database entry, filing etc.)

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? The majority of their work aims to support Indigenous organisations through supporting their staff and enabling opportunities for all Australians to work in them. The Aurora Education Foundation strives to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Most internships run for four to six weeks, during the following times: • Mid June to August (Winter) • November to 3rd week of December • Mid/Late January to March (Summer) Course credit may be available for students undertaking the Aurora internship.

APPLICATION PROCESS Applications for the Aurora Internship typically run during August each year.

Information about the application process and the application form can be found via the link below: http://auroraproject.com.au/aboutapplying-internship

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Disability Advocacy

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Disability Advocacy NSW (DA) provides advocacy assistance for people with a disability as well as their carers and family members. Disability Advocacy NSW (DA) is a program of Advocacy Law Alliance Inc.

There is an ongoing volunteering program which involves a mainly ‘front desk’ role. Sometimes volunteers are also required to help with administrative work, perform legal research and shadow advocates at the Centre.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

APPLICATION PROCESS

DA provides advocacy assistance in a variety of areas including:

Helping make the NDIS fairer for all

•

Since the beginning of the NDIS, DA has been providing advocacy support for individuals who have had their NDIS applications rejected. An example of this is DA’s support to John Chick, a 60-yearold man from Taree, NSW, who lives with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). John acted and connected with Grant Murray of NSW Disability Advocacy in Taree, and together they worked to secure a review of the decision.

To see other examples of how DA assists those with NDIS disputes, see here: https://da.org.au/ndis/

•

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• •

Individual advocacy - for individuals with a disability who have been treated unfairly iCare support – for matters relating to the icare Lifetime Care and Support Scheme which provides people who have been severely injured in motor accidents in NSW with treatment, rehabilitation and care.

Systemic advocacy – to ensure that recurring issues for people with a disability are heard NDIS support – for matters related to the National Disability Insurance Scheme

If you are interested in being a volunteer, and for more infformation, you can email: HR@da.org.au.

The application process for other employment opportunities can be found at: http://da.org.au/recruitment/

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Environmental Law

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Environmental Justice Australia is a notfor-profit legal practice focussing on environmental protection.

Day Volunteer Program There is a Day Volunteer Program (March-November) for law students.

It involves answering the phone, undertaking legal research, assisting on casework and projects and performing administrative tasks

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Their work involves protecting a variety of areas including: •

Involvement in Adani Environmental Justice Australia is heavily involved in prosecuting the Adani Group. Environmental Justice Australia has recently released the ‘Adani Brief Update’ which includes details about Adani Group’s illegal dealings, corruption, court cases and failures to comply with environmental laws.

• • • • • •

Indigenous rights – protecting the wellbeing and cultural identity of Indigenous people through prohibiting water misuse Democratic rights – including the right to object to inappropriate developments Air pollution Climate and finance Protecting the reef Energy transition Protecting rivers, forests and biodiversity

Internship Program There is also an Internship Program (November-February; June-July) where volunteers work full-time for 2 weeks.

Intern work usually involves assisting staff with casework, law reform and policy projects, researching and updating publications.

APPLICATION PROCESS The application process and due dates for both the volunteer and internship program can be found here: https://www.envirojustice.org.au/getinvolved/volunteer/

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Campaigning Human Rights Law Environmental Justice Law Economic Fairness

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

GetUp Is a progressive not-for-profit campaigning organisation. GetUp combines the power of a million members, movement partners and a central team of expert strategists to campaign for justice in areas of Environmental Justice, Human Rights, Economic Fairness and Democracy.

Students can apply to work at GetUp through their careers page, which is updated periodically.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? #stopadani Currently, GetUp is heavily involved in environmental justice campaigning against the government for proposing to fund Adani, a multimillion dollar mining company. Previously, GetUp focused on campaigning for marriage equality in Australia through pushing for changed laws to allow same-sex marriage.

GetUp is involved split into various teams that work together to drive successful campaigns.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Research team – This team researches advertisements and targeted advertisements to create an effective campaign strategy.

To apply for jobs at GetUp, see their careers page using the link below: https://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/ hiring/hiring--2/work-at-getup

Creative team – The creative team focuses on creating content for social media and other media channels.

To apply as a volunteer with GetUp’s Sydney general operations team, SupportCore, see the link below: https://action.getup.org.au/volunteer_ local_getuphq

Campaigns team – This team is split into various teams focusing on areas such as environmental justice, and human rights campaigns (amongst others).

Tech team – The tech team works on building tools for campaign execution such as door knocking tools.

Organising team – this team works with GetUp members to harness the grassroots power behind GetUp.

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Alternatively, students can volunteer with GetUp. GetUp is a people-powered organisation and relies on volunteers to drive their causes through national local Action Groups. Volunteers can be involved in strategy and tactic development, in-person and phone call campaigning to garner local support in federal electorates.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Public Interest Litigation

ABOUT Grata is Australia’s first not-for-profit public interest litigation fund. Grata’s mission is to reduce the financial barriers to public interest litigation and enable progressive social change via targeted impact litigation.

Grata enables people take cases to court that serve their interests and the interests of the broader community.

First Nations remote housing rights In the remote Northern Territory town, Santa Teresa, the Northern Territory was neglecting its responsibility to provide housing that met a “habitable” standard.

Houses posed serious risks, with structural issues, failing water sewerage and other safety issues.

When tenants were unsuccessful in pushing the government to action repairs, the Grata fund stepped in to back the plaintiffs as they fought the NT government. In 2019, with the Grata Fund’s backing, the government was ordered to action immediate repairs after lawyers successfully established a right to habitable housing.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS For UNSW Students, internships at the Grata Fund are available as an Experential Learning elective.

Grata also advertises vacancies on the UNSW Law Careers Board as well as on their website.

See their available positions here: https://www.gratafund.org.au/careers

Grata does this by bringing members of the public together with legal experts, public advocates and financial support, free from concerns of financial return or political risk.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

Work includes: • Conducting research on contentious areas of Australian Law to determine potential new case ideas • Raise awareness of the organisation and liaise for funding • Assist litigators on cases at hand • Helping assess case proposals from the legal sector

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: ISABELLE REINECKE FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GRATA FUND

BACKGROUND OF ISABELLE REINECKE: Isabelle Reinecke is the Executive Director and Founder of the Grata Fund. Before joining Grata full time, Isabelle was Director of Legal and Governance and Company Secretary of GetUp, Australia’s largest campaigning community, where she worked to build the Grata Fund from 2014.

Isabelle started her career as a lawyer at Clayton Utz, where she specialised in corporate law and was deeply involved in their pro bono program, working with Aboriginal communities in the East Kimberley to secure compensation for stolen wages.

In 2015, she was nominated for a Walkley Award for Coverage of Indigenous Affairs and was a finalist in the United Nations of Australia Media Peace Awards for the Promotion of Indigenous Recognition Award. She has served as board member for the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre in Sydney and was Chair of Grata Fund until stepping into a more hands on role in 2016.

2. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE TO A STUDENT WHO IS SEEKING A CAREER IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST SECTOR? Do as much as you can while you’re at uni! You’ll never be in a position to have short tastes of so many different opportunities again! Volunteer, intern, be a research associate, do clerkships and everything else you can to get meaningful work experience while a student. It gives you a sense of how different workplaces operate, will give you an edge when seeking employment, and will help you figure out what you do and - importantly - what you don’t want to do!

Isabelle is a 2016 Churchill Fellow and holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from the Australian National University, where she was awarded the Dean’s Certificate Prize for the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.

1. HOW WERE YOU DRAWN TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST SECTOR?

3. WHAT IS A COMMON MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOUR FIELD OF WORK?

I was always interested in the rules that governing the powerful...

I think that’s because those rules often boil down to broad issues of justice, fairness and the type of society we want to live in. Is it fair that the Government can lock people away on offshore detention? Is it just that major companies can destroy the climate without repercussion? Do we want to live in the type of society that is currently being monitored through facial recognition?

These are the issues that the public law sector is all about.

That the juicy human rights work is only overseas - this leads to a massive brain drain of brilliantly talented people.

We have serious current threats to our democracy, our human rights and our climate. We as lawyers can have a major impact on all of these issues, but we’ve got to be here to fight them!

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https://www.gratafund.org.au

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Public Interest Law

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Justice Connect aims to create a fairer and better society through helping vulnerable people and community groups navigate through the legal system. JusticeConnect connects individuals with free legal help and is also involved in changing the legal system where it is insufficient.

Justice Connect offer paid jobs as well as volunteer opportunities. These employment opportunities can be found here: https://justiceconnect.org.au/workwith-us/careers/

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? One lollipop lady’s quest for a fair chance An example of how Justice Connect helps vulnerable people is the work done connecting a local school’s lollipop lady, Kelly, with lawyers when she was unfairly dismissed. After Kelly’s lung collapsed in 2017, she was rushed to hospital and could not go back to work immediately. Her employer later accused her of stealing wages and abandoning shifts. Through the help of Justice Connect, Kelly was able to connect with lawyers who worked with her on a pro bono basis in order to find a resolution with her employer.

To hear more about Kelly’s story and how Justice Connect helped, see a video by clicking the link below: https://justiceconnect.org.au/ stories/kellys-story/

Justice Connect provides a range of specialist and generalist legal services, connecting individuals to the legal help they need. They have a broad range of employees and volunteers who are involved in: • • • • • •

Connecting people with help Connecting pro bono lawyers from large law firms Designing smart legal services Challenging and changing unfair laws Educating people and community groups with legal knowledge Developing digital infrastructure

Additionally, Justice Connect provides PLT Placements as well as secondment opportunities which last between 3 - 6 months.

APPLICATION PROCESS The application process for the volunteering program can be found here: https://justiceconnect.org.au/getinvolved/volunteer/.

Other positions and their application procedures can be found here: https:// justiceconnect.org.au/get-involved/ work-with-us/

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Human Rights Law Criminal Law Administrative Law

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Lawyers Without Borders is a notfor-profit corporation which aims to promote the rule of law globally. It does so through facilitating pro bono services to the undeserved. Lawyers Without Borders is involved in a variety of rule of law initiatives, capacity building and access to justice projects.

Lawyers Without Borders offers unpaid US-based internships for Australian students on a case-by-case basis.

Internships take place during the following periods: • Summer (1 month) • Winter • Spring • Fall • Gap term or Gap year (flexible)

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? The Myanmar Law Reform Project Lawyers Without Borders have been heavily involved in pro bono law reform work in Myanmar. There is a major effort put in rewriting the many laws ignored by the prior military government and to re-establish the rule of law in Myanmar.

Their employees are involved in a variety of work including: • • • •

•

Trial advocacy training Cultivating lawyer skill sets Conducting neutral observation of trials, conflict cases and detention facilities Developing and delivering programmes that help regions emerging from conflict and/or are transitioning Designing educational materials

APPLICATION PROCESS Applications for US-based internships in 2020 are currently being accepted.

Due to lengthy paperwork, Australian students will generally only be considered for long-term full time (3 months or longer) internships. However, this is decided on a case by case basis.

Applicants should email a detailed CV and cover letter to internships@lwob. org.

See more at: https://lawyerswithoutborders.org/ lwob/get-involved/internships/

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Civil Law Policy Human Rights Law

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The NSW Council for Civil Liberties is a leading organisation which protects the rights and liberties of people in Australia. NSWCCL is non-sectarian and non-party political. They fight against infringement on these rights and liberties by the government, its agencies and others. They try to secure changes to law and policy where civil liberties are not fully respected.

Students can join to become a member by paying at a discounted rate of $30 per annum.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Facial Surveillance Recently, the NSWCCL has condemned the use of a new facial recognition technology by the Council of Australian Governments, which will have control over all licenses, visas and passports.

NSWCCL is concerned with this development, expressing that overtime it may have significant implications on privacy and the robustness of our democracy

Most of their work is run through action groups which deal with policy issues including: • • •

• •

National security and counterterrorism Asylum seekers and refugees Freedom of speech and censorship, privacy and data retention, open government and whistle-blower protection Criminal justice, police powers and mental health Civil and human rights

NSWCCL also regularly hosts students for unpaid placements and internships.

The length of the internship varies from 20 days to 6 months, depending on the student’s requirements.

Activities involve legal research, writing submissions to government inquiries, preparing information for media releases and comment, drafting responses to complaints about breaches of civil liberties, assisting asylum seekers and refugees and attending meetings and conferences.

APPLICATION PROCESS To apply for an internship or student placement, students can send their CV and a covering letter explaining their interest in civil liberties and human rights to office@nswccl.org.au.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Discrimination Law

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Established in 1988, the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby has been leading the fight for legal equality and social justice for lesbians, gay men and their families in NSW.

Students can become a member of the GLRL by paying a fee. Students can also consider the volunteering program at GLRL which involves a variety opportunities to suit all interests and abilities.

The lobby has made significant contributions to law reform and social change, guiding and shaping the private and public narrative of rights and reforms with diplomacy, integrity and collaboration.

Current work – Anti-discrimination Laws

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

Currently, NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby is heavily involved in ensuring that the NSW AntiDiscrimination Act provides protections for bisexuals. They also advocate for changes in the Act’s definitions and application for transgender, non-binary and inter-sex individuals. They are continually working with all NSW parliamentarians to ensure the modernisation of antidiscrimination law.

Employees are involved in a variety of causes including:

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• • • •

Ending discrimination Promoting safety for LGBTI school kids and support for teachers Law reform Statewide and nationwide surveys

Mardi Gras (February to March) is a particularly busy time though opportunities come up throughout the year. Volunteers can help at oneoff events for a couple of hours or be involved in ongoing campaigns and working groups.

APPLICATION PROCESS The membership form can be filled out here: https://secure.jotform.co/ form/51687959051871 The volunteer form can be filled out here: https://glrl.org.au/volunteer-2/ Once you register, you will be informed on upcoming volunteering opportunities such as helping out at their Mardi Gras season event.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Charity Social Justice

Climate change and farming Oxfam is working with vulnerable communities to develop more sustainable farming techniques that can withstand the pressures of conflict and climate change. In Afghanistan, 3,845 people gained the skills to earn a living as dairy and almond producers. With their new skills and a more valuable variety of crops available to them, farmers in Afghanistan have been better able to support themselves and their families.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Oxfam is an independent, not-forprofit, secular, community-based aid and development organization. Oxfam Australia’s work includes long-term development projects, responding to emergencies and campaigning to improve the lives of disadvantaged people around the world. They aim to give disadvantaged people improved access to social services, equal rights and status, and safety from conflict and disaster.

Oxfam Australia offers internships for students enrolled at Australian Universities. There are also numerous volunteer positions available.

APPLICATION PROCESS Internships, voluntary and career vacancies can be viewed in the ‘Get Involved’ section of the Oxfam Website: https://www.oxfam.org.au/getinvolved/

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? There are a variety of roles in the organization. A few areas of work include: • • • • •

Administration Assistant Campaign Management Fund raising

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Humanitarian Aid Charity

Myanmar Crisis Escalating violence in Myanmar forced some 700,000 people to flee to Bangladesh, creating a crisis at the border. The Myanmar Crisis Appeal raised $2.5 million, plus $1.8m in funding from the Australian Government. Red Cross was active on both sides of the Myanmar/Bangladesh border to help people, survive and cope. In Cox’s Bazar, the Red Cross provided field hospitals and clinics to treat illnesses, provide safe drinking water and toilets, as well as shelter supplies for families.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Australian Red Cross is a leading humanitarian aid and community services charity in Australia and an auxiliary to government. It is a secular, neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization. The Australian Red Cross provides a range of services and programs including international aid across the Asia-Pacific region, international humanitarian law advocacy, migration support, emergency management, blood donation via the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, and community services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, youth, families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Red Cross Australia offers many volunteer opportunities to participate in community services.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? There are many areas of work for a Red Cross employee including: • Personal attendant • Reception / Administration • Store crew • First Aid • Residential case work • Youth Worker

APPLICATION PROCESS Career and volunteer positions can be found in the Careers and Volunteer opportunities section of the Australian Red Cross website. https://www.redcross.org.au/about/ careers

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Human Rights Law

Death Penalty In 2012 the CPJP joined Amnesty International’s Anti-Death Penalty Asian Network (ADPAN) and began to forge relationships with related organizations within Asia.

They have since been developing programs to assist local lawyers in the region.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Capital Punishment Justice Project (formerly Reprieve Australia) is a nonprofit organization of international lawyers and investigators whose goal is to “fight for the victims of extreme human rights abuses with legal action and public education”. Their main focus is on the death penalty, indefinite detention without trial (such as in Guantanamo), extraordinary rendition and extrajudicial killing. There are also CPJP organizations in the UK, United States and the Netherlands, with additional supporters and volunteers worldwide.

The Capital Punishment Justice Project (CPJP) is calling for expressions of interest for volunteers to travel to the United States, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and other countries in the Asian region.

Placements are available now. You should apply at least 3 months before you intend to travel.

Volunteers help overburdened lawyers fighting death penalty cases. .

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

APPLICATION PROCESS Applications are available on the Volunteer section of the CPJP Australia Website. https://cpjp.org.au/volunteer/

The Capital Punishment Justice Project (CPJP works to promote and support engagement with other NGOs and members of civil society from around the region, enabling a more coordinated campaign against the death penalty. This includes work such as: • Research of country specific issues in order to understand and challenge retentionist arguments • Casework support by providing regional legal practitioners with advice and referrals when required • Engaging in advocacy and education to educate Australian students and the community as to why Australia opposes the death penalty • Training of regional lawyers and advocates

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Immigration Commercial law Property Law Social Justice

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Salvos Legal is a social enterprise firm providing legal advice in the areas of commercial law, immigration and citizenship, property, not for profit law, wills and estates. They work mostly with governments, not for profit organizations, small to medium size enterprises, and individuals. Salvos Legal and Salvos Legal Humanitarian are both owned by The Salvation Army.

Salvos Legal is looking for bright, hardworking and dedicated law graduates and solicitors who are keen to gain experience and contribute to a firm with a purpose. No matter where you volunteer at Salvos Legal you are making a social impact! The intern position is full time for 4 months in humanitarian, commercial or property law. We will accept applications from solicitors, graduates and PLT students. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator for specific opportunities (volunteercoordinator@salvoslegal. com.au).

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Free legal services Salvos Legal Humanitarian provides free legal services to hundreds of clients every week across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

They have helped in more than 23,000 cases since it began, but their aim is not only to exist as a law firm. Clients often have other pressing non-legal needs and are managing other complicated issues in their lives. Their holistic approach connects clients with The Salvation Army’s full range of social welfare services to help address the underlying causes of injustice.

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Salvos Legal often has Intern and Law Clerk opportunities in our Sydney office and numerous volunteering opportunities at Advice Bureaus where free advice is provided to some of the most disadvantaged members of the community. Other positions include: • • • • • • •

Lawyer Intern Law clerk Migration agent Paralegal Interpreter Administrative assistant

APPLICATION PROCESS The careers tab on the Salvos Legal website is currently unavailable.

For inquiries related to application process, speak to the Volunteer Coordinator for any specific enquiries: volunteercoordinator@salvoslegal.com. au

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Work related injuries Road accident injuries Wills and Estates Superannuation Claims Employment Law Asbestos Diseases Aviation Law Consumer Protection Occupational Diseases Public liability

AMP Super Fees Class Action Maurice Blackburn Lawyers have filed a class action on behalf of all AMP superannuation fund account holders. The claim alleges that the AMP trustees and AMP Group companies contravened a number of statutory and/or general law obligations. These included the overcharging of administration fees to AMP members for an extended period of time.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Maurice Blackburn is an Australian plaintiff law firm which practices personal and general legal services, class actions and social justice. The firm has led litigative action on behalf of refugees, underpaid workers and people who have been unfairly targeted by national security legislation.

Currently, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers runs their Graduate Program, Clerkship Program and Junior Legal Assistant Program in Victoria and Queensland only. In NSW, expressions of interest for paralegal positions are always accepted.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Lawyers at Maurice Blackburn engage in providing expert legal advice, negotiation and litigation services.

The 12-month Graduate Program consists of two 6 month rotations in different practice areas and offices.

During this program, potential tasks include • shadowing lawyers • attending court and client meetings • briefing counsel The firm also supports the completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT), which is necessary for admission.

APPLICATION PROCESS The clerkship application opens early July and closes early August.

The graduate program application dates are in line with the Law Institute of Victoria Guidelines.

To express interest in a paralegal position, as well as see any other vacancies in NSW, see below: https://www.mauriceblackburn.com. au/careers/positions-vacant/

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Legal Services Personal Injury Law Class Actions Employment Law Travel and Transport Law CSG and Mining Legal Services Professional Negligence Claims Bankruptcy and Insolvency

Shine a Light Foundation The firm’s Shine a Light Foundation selects charity partners to support from organisations which promote prevention, rehabilitation, education and safety programs for people impacted by injury, injustice and adversity. Since being founded in 2010, they have donated $100 000 to charities such as Starlight Children’s Foundation, Hear For You, SecondBite and mindDog Australia.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Shine Lawyers is a litigation law firm focused on injury and compensation claims. They pride themselves on their no-win-no-fee basis model, and have dealt with a number of landmark cases.

Shine Lawyers do not have formal opportunities for students, but often have employment opportunities in both legal and support positions. This includes administration, paralegal and solicitor/law clerk opportunities.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

They provide a typical example of career paths in both legal and support departments on their website:

Employees at Shine engage in • negotiating • producing legal notices and documents • analysing evidence and building the client’s case • attending to research and meetings • writing emails and letters • obtaining monies and settling accounts

https://www.shine.com.au/careers/roletypes

APPLICATION PROCESS Current job availabilities are available on the website: https://www.shine.com.au/careers/ current-jobs

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Legal Services Workers Compensation Motor Vehicle Accidents Public Liability Asbestos Superannuation and Disability Insurance Medical Law Commercial Litigation Employment Law

Stone Mason class action Slater & Gordon have recently launched a class action on behalf of stonemasons diagnosed with acute silicosis and other respiratory illnesses, caused by long-term exposure to silica dust created when stone benchtops are processed.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Slater & Gordon is one of Australia’s largest plaintiff consumer law firms which specialises in personal injury compensation law and general law services. Originally founded to service unions, it now aims to provide affordable, high quality legal services in both Australia and the UK.

The Slater & Gordon Paralegal and Graduate program is an 18-month contract working within a specific practice area of law. Students will work with senior lawyers, and may assist with drafting routine correspondence, filing memos and proofreading legal documents.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

The Clerkship program is a 3 week experience that runs in November/ December or June/July.

Employees at Slater & Gordon undertake roles such as the provision of legal advice and preparation of legal documents, such as contracts and court documents.

APPLICATION PROCESS Applications are available throughout the year. More information can be found: https://www.slatergordon.com. au/careers.

The class action investigates potential claims for compensation stemming from the manufacturer’s duty to provide appropriate warnings to consumers and endusers.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Legal Services Commercial Law Criminal Law Dispute Resolution and Litigation Family Law Immigration Law Injury Compensation Law Local Government, Planning & Environmental Law

Local support Marsden’s Law Group have supported organisations in their local communities through volunteering, charitable programs and sponsorship. Some of these include The Campbelltown Arts Centre, Macarthur Disability Services, Mater Dei, Campbelltown Meals on Wheels, Cancer Council Pro Bono Scheme and Lifeline Macarthur.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Marsden’s Law Group provides legal advice to clients over a broad range of practice areas. It is the largest law firm with its head office outside the Sydney CBD. Its lawyers are not general practitioners, but rather specialise in a particular area of law.

Opportunities are available on an as-needed basis for employment in positions such as Personal Assistants, Paralegals, Accounts, clerks, receptionists or administrative assistants.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees at Marsden’s are involved in drafting documents such as wills, powers of attorneys and guardianship, and in undertaking litigation matters and more complex matters in areas such as family law.

APPLICATION PROCESS More information about available positions can be found on the website: https://www.marsdens.net.au/aboutus/careers/positions-vacant/ There is no formal application process, but the firm welcomes resumes sent to HR Manager Margaret Wilson at mwilson@marsdens.net.au

CHAPTER 4: International Public Interest

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Arbitration Commerce

Resolving disputes amidst China’s Belt and Road Initiative The International Court of Arbitration has promoted itself as a cost-efficient, neutral and effective means to resolve Belt and Road disputes. As the majority of Belt and Road disputes involve at least one Chinese and one non-Chinese party, the International Court of Arbitration is well-positioned in offering culturally sensitive solutions for each particular dispute.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The International Court of Arbitration is not a court in the judicial sense of the word, instead it works closely with its secretariat to fulfil its primary role of administering ICC Arbitrations. The International Court of Arbitration is part of the International Chamber of Commerce and strives to assist parties and arbitrators to overcome any procedural obstacles that arise.

International Court of Arbitration offers unpaid internships in either Hong Kong or Paris offices, with opportunities for successful applicants to be involved with researching specific national and topical laws, preparing for conferences and drafting documents related to current arbitration cases. The duration of the internship ranges from 3 months, starting in May for Hong Kong and 2 months, starting in January for Paris.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

APPLICATION PROCESS

Employees at ICC will work to support ICC’s responsibilities, including: • confirming, appointing and replacing arbitrators, as well as deciding on any challenges made against them • monitoring the arbitral process to make certain that it is performed properly and with the required speed and efficiency necessary • scrutinising and approving all arbitral awards to reinforce quality and enforceability • setting, managing and — if necessary — adjusting fees and advances • overseeing emergency proceedings before the start of the arbitration

Applications require applicants to send an email including a short CV and a cover letter to courtinternship@iccwbo. org/.

Applications for the Hong Kong internship in May - July 2020 close on 15 March 2020.

Application dates for Paris will be updated on https://iccwbo.org/careers/ internship-opportunities/.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

International law

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has its seat in The Hague, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). The Court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and specialised agencies. The Court is composed of 15 judges, who are elected for terms of office of nine years by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.

The International Court of Justice offers internships of one to three months to students and young professionals who are in the early stages of their careers.

The internship is an opportunity for them to put their knowledge and experience into practice, while performing certain tasks for the Court under the supervision of Registry officials. Candidates will not receive any financial compensation from the Court for their internship and that they will themselves be responsible for meeting immigration requirements, arranging travel and accommodation and obtaining valid medical/accident insurance coverage.

International Court of Justice (ICJ) involvement in US-Iran relations

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

During the midst of the US-Iran tensions, the ICJ ordered the United States to lift sanctions in order to allow the importation of humanitarian goods and ensure the safety of civilian aircraft. This decision is the first time that international judges have ruled on a case of “economic warfare”

Employes are divided into several departments and divisions, including: • the Department of Legal Matters; • the Department of Linguistic Matters; • the Information Department; • the Administrative and Personnel Division; • the Finance Division

APPLICATION PROCESS To apply for an internship, candidates are requested to submit their curriculum vitae along with a covering letter for the attention of the Registrar to: recrutement-recruitment@icj-cij.org See more at: https://www.icj-cij.org/en/ internships The working languages of the Court are English and French.

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International Criminal Law

High-profile cases Omar al-Bashir. The first sitting president to be indicted by the ICC, Bashir is sought on allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Sudan’s Darfur region. He is accused of planning mass killings and deportations of members of several ethnic groups. Bashir has avoided arrest by traveling abroad only with assurances from friendly foreign leaders that they would not turn him over. In April 2019, the Sudanese military ousted Bashir following months of antigovernment protests and placed him under arrest but said it would not extradite him.

Muammar al-Qaddafi. The Security Council referred the situation in Libya to the ICC in 2011, based on allegations that the Libyan leader and other individuals were responsible for the killing of unarmed civilians during Arab Spring protests.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. The ICC is located in the Hague, Netherlands.

The ICC offers various internships spanning across multiple disciplines, applicants interested in criminal law with a specialisation in victims are highly recommended to apply. Types of internships with the ICC include: • Pro Bono Consultant Work; • Administrative Assistance; • Assistance in the field; • Office of Public Counsel for the Defence; • Office of Public Counsel for Victims; and • Logistical Assistance.

The Court’s founding treaty, called the Rome Statute, grants the ICC jurisdiction over four main crimes.

1. Genocide 2. Crimes against humanity 3. War crimes 4. Crimes of aggression

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Applicants will be expected to facilitate the participation of victims in the proceedings before the Court. Primary responsibilities will most likely include: • Assisting in the drafting of legal memorandum • Researching in a wide range of complex legal fields.

• This may include preparing factual background documents on the situation and cases before the Court and partake in the drafting of legal opinion.

APPLICATION PROCESS To apply for an internship, candidates should check the ICC Job board. This can be located here: https://www.icccpi.int/jobs

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL FOR THE LAW OF THE SEA

International Law

Dispute between Maldives and Maritius In 2019, Maldives was in locked in a dispute with Mauritius over each other’s maritime boundary in the Indian Ocean. To settle the dispute, the two countries submitted a special agreement and notification to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. The Tribunal appointed a “special chamber” consisting of judges from South Korea (President), Cabo Verde, France, Japan, Algeria, Iceland and India.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is an independent judicial body established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to adjudicate disputes arising out of this treaty, which establishes a comprehensive legal framework to regulate all ocean space, its uses and resources. The Tribunal is open to both State parties to the convention as well as other non-State actors.

Opportunities for an unpaid internship are available with International Tribunal for the Law and Sea in Hamburg, Germany. Approximately twenty internships are available each year for young government officials or students in the fields of law, international relations, public relations and political science.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

Applications for the April to June internship are due by 31 December 2019. For more information on how to apply, click on the link https://www. itlos.org/en/the-registry/training/ internship-programme/

Interns will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the work and functions of the Tribunal and contribute to the work of the Tribunal in the fields of the law of the sea, public international law, international organisations and international relations, political science, public information, publications and library science, and translation.

Interns working in the Legal Office are expected to carry out research on a variety of legal issues and prepare memoranda and reports for the Legal Office. Interns will be requested to conduct research on a specific topic and give an oral presentation to the Legal Office. They will work with the other interns serving at the Tribunal on the preparation of weekly press reviews.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The other internship periods and application deadlines are as follows: • January to March: application to be submitted by 30 September of previous year • July to September: application to be submitted by 31 March • October to December: application to be submitted by 30 June

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Policy

Policies to help students with an immigrant policies In 2019, the OECD released a publication detailing how migration flows posed challenges for immigrant students. Indeed, education was stressed as integral in the development of the immigrant students life in his or her new country. In order to support the immigrant students, the OECD supports policies that support mentoring schemes for students with an immigrant background.

For instance, the OECD supports “Nightingale Mentoring” which operates in countries such as Austria, Finland and Germany, which recruits students from cultures where there is no tradition of students seeking higher education.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives.

Our goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all.

Law students may be interested in an Internship Programme run in Paris, France (but occasionally run in other OECD centres). The internship runs for at least one month, and allows students to work on projects linked to the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General and to support the corporate functions of the organisation.

Approximately 500 interns are recruited under this program every year.

Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, the OECD works on establishing international norms and finding evidence-based solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, bestpractice sharing, and advice on public policies and global standard-setting.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Work includes: • High-profile research on global policies • Putting forward advice and recommendations based on fact and findings • Participate in an international network of policy makers

Law students may also be interested in the OECD Young Associates Programme. The program seeks to act as a springboard to future postgraduate study at top international studies. This is a two year program which gives students insight into the world of multilateral policymaking, research and analysis. Participants are assigned a mentor who works closely with them as their manager.

APPLICATION PROCESS Internship Programme: Interns are recruited on an on-going basis and applications are accepted throughout the year. Internship start dates are set based on the details of your availability, so be sure to specify the date and duration of your availability in the application form. The closing date for the next recruitment is 3 January 2020.

For more information: http://www.oecd. org/careers/internship-programme/.

OECD Young Associates Programme Students who hold an undergraduate degree but not a Masters or PhD may apply. The program is targeted at final year-undergraduate students. For more information: http://www.oecd.org/ careers/young-associate-programme/.

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Criminal Law International security

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organisation consisting of 194 member countries.

Their purpose is to enable police to cooperate around the world to achieve security on a global scale.

INTERPOL offers an internship program for students to better understand international police cooperation, learning through practical work assignments and gaining further insight into the operations of an international organisation. The internship opportunities are based in the General Secretariat in Lyon, France, and other opportunities may arise in other duty stations such as INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore.

They provide targeted training, expert investigative support, secure data and communication channels, understand and analyse crime trends to fight crime in the modern world.

Operation Tighten the Net involving 13 countries

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

In September 2019, an INTERPOLcoordinated operation saw the arrest of nearly 250 fugitives wanted for serious crimes such as human trafficking, terrorism and murder across Asia.

Collaboration with INTERPOL allowed simultaneous action and new information to be gathered in order to support ongoing investigations.

INTERPOL employees: • Provide guidance and direction to the Organisation, • Advise the executive committee on matters of policy, resource, working methods, finances and programmes.

• Process personal data, and contribute to criminal databases

Candidates are required to be: •

• • • •

Enrolled in, or have graduated from, a postsecondary accredited academic institution within the past six months on the date of submission of their application; Be a national of one of Interpol’s 194 member countries; Have attained the legal age of majority in their country of nationality; Be fluent in English Meet the requirements indicated for each specific internship opening they wish to apply for.

APPLICATION PROCESS Applicants are to apply through the current vacancies website on the INTERPOL recruitment platform.

See more: https://www.interpol.int/en/ What-you-can-do/Careers/Vacancies

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International Law

A goal to eliminate child labour and forced labour The ILO recently established a major new force in the fight against child labour, forced labour and human trafficking. The IPEC+ Global Flagship Programme works, from the village to the global stage, with the ILO’s constituents, as well as with enterprises and small producers’ organizations, NGOs and civil society organizations, to promote the eradication of child labour and forced labour and the realisation of all fundamental rights at work, with a focus on rural economies, global supply chains and countries in crises.

The objective of the IPEC+ Global Flagship Programme is to provide ILO leadership in global efforts to eradicate all forms of child labour by 2025 and all forms of contemporary slavery and human trafficking by 2030.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The purpose of International Labour Organisation (ILO) is to promote internationally recognised human and labour rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues.

The International Labour Organisation offers three – six month internships at their Geneva headquarters. A stipend to cover basic subsistence costs will be paid by the ILO.As an intern you will be exposed to the daily work of the ILO including attending high-profile conferences, participating in meetings, and contributing to analytical work.

It is advised that prospective interns consult the ILO’s website to familiarise themselves with the work of the various sectors and departments, identifying the areas that interest them most.

The ILO brings together governments, employers and workers to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programs. Workers and employers together have an equal voice with governments in its deliberations, showing social dialogue in action. It ensures that the views of the social partners are closely reflected in ILO labour standards, policies and Programs.

The headquarters for the ILO is in Geneva, Switzerland with regional offices around the world.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? As an intern you will be exposed to the daily work of the ILO including attending high-profile conferences, participating in meetings, and contributing to analytical work. It is advised that prospective interns consult the ILO’s website to familiarise themselves with the work of the various sectors and departments, identifying the areas that interest them most.

APPLICATION PROCESS To be eligible for an internship, applicants must be currently enrolled in the last year of a graduate degree (Master or equivalent) or in a higher degree Program relevant to the ILO’s work or have you completed such a Program in the year preceding the application, have a working knowledge of at least one of the ILO’s official languages English, French or Spanish.

Internships are advertised on an ongoing basis.

To find out more, click on this link https://jobs.ilo.org/content/ Internships/?locale=en_GB.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

International Law

The IMF sets eyes on digital monies In 2019, the IMF released a publication detailing the rise and risk of digital money. The IMF analysed how technology companies are stepping up competition to large banks and credit card companies, and warned to view the future of digital money with caution. The body forecasted that the two most common forms of money, cash and bank deposits, would battle with e-money which could threaten the longevity of banks. With a goal to ensure monetary stability around the globe, the IMF stressed the need for central banks to play an important role in molding the future of commercial banks given the rise of e-money providers.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The purpose of the International Monetary Fund, IMF is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system, achieved through promotion of international monetary cooperation; facilitation of the expansion and balanced growth of international trade; promotion of exchange stability; and assistance in the establishment of a multilateral system of payments.

Under the IMF’s Fund Internship Program (FIP), students may gain insider experience of the integrated, member country focused, mandate and work of the IMF. The program runs for 10-12 weeks at the IMF headquarters in Washington D.C. The FIP is offered in various departments, but law students may be especially interested in the program administered by the IMF’s Legal Department. Within the Legal Department, the applicant will be assigned research and will be supervised by a senior member of the department. In past years, the Legal Department’s FIP has had the opportunity to complete: • Analysis of the legal framework for capital controls under the European Economic Area • Research on the insolvency of nonbank financial institutions • Research on the legal mandate of the IMF in financial regulation • Cross-country comparisons of effectiveness of AML/CFT efforts

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? The selected candidate will work in one of the units of the Legal Department under the supervision and guidance of a senior member of the unit. Examples of project research completed by legal interns in the past cover a broad spectrum of legal issues including analysis of the legal framework for capital controls under the European Economic Area, research on the insolvency of non-bank financial institutions and research on the legal mandate of the IMF in financial regulation. IMF interns receive a salary comparable to senior level support staff, round-trip economy class air travel to Washington from their university and limited medical insurance coverage.

APPLICATION PROCESS To be eligible for the IMF Fund Internship Program, candidates must be in the process of completing a PHD or J.D and be below the age of 32. The application period typically runs from early December to early January. For more information on the 2020 Fund Internship Program, click on the link below: https://www.imf.org/external/np/adm/ rec/job/summint.htm#3

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Human Rights Law

Advancing freedom of expression in Latin America and the Carribean In 2019, UNESCO joined forces with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to strengthen the protection of freedom of expression, press freedom and safety of journalists in the Latin American and Carribean region. Over the past six years, UNESCO has been involved in training thousands of judicial staff in Latin America through partnerships in the region. The new agreement signals a further step to strengthen the cooperation between UNESCO and other judicial bodies within the region.

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ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) based in Paris, France. Its declared purpose is to contribute to promoting international collaboration in education, sciences, and culture in order to increase universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedom proclaimed in the United Nations Charter.

UNESCO offers a Internship Programme for students graduate students. The program offers students an opportunity to gain practical work in one of UNESCO’s priority areas. The unpaid program is run in one of UNESCO’s centres and the duration of the internship lasts from 2 to 6 months.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? UNESCO pursues its objectives through five major programs: • education • natural sciences • social/human sciences • culture and communication/ information The Organization offers a range of trainings to its staff in different areas/ subjects such as: • Language courses in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish for staff and their spouse; • IT (Windows operating systems); • Managerial and professional skills; • Career development workshops.

APPLICATION PROCESS UNESCO accepts ongoing applications for the Internship Programme. For more information, click on this link https://en.unesco.org/careers/

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Migration law Human rights law Refugee law Policy

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The UNHCR is a global organisation aimed to protect the rights of refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. The primary purpose of the UNHCR is to safeguard the wellbeing and human rights of asylum seekers.

Internships are available at the UNHCR Regional Representation Units in Canberra. The Legal Protection Unit Internship provides an opportunity for applicants to gain practical legal work experience through policy and legal work in the protection of refugees. The internship is a full-time program for a minimum period of three months and is undertaken on a purely voluntary basis.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

Helping women refugees achieve their goals and make a community impact The UNHCR Innovation Service sends trained refugee volunteers into their own communities to identify problems and figure out ways to fix them. The program includes women as community outreach members in an attempt to challenge the perception of what women are capable of in the community. In Lebanon, the first year of the program involved the participation of over 330 community outreach volunteers who identified over 25,000 refugees who needed assistance.

There are more than 10,966 UNHCR employees working in over 130 countries to protect and care for the rights of refugees.

The type of work employees undertake include: • Protection (Legal) • Humanitarian Support (Critical emergency assistance) • Shelter • Advocacy (Transform policies and services that affect displaced • people) Lawyers work in both legal and policy capacities for the legal protection of internally displaced people across the globe.

Otherwise the UNHCR also has nonremunerated internships in the Geneva Headquarters and Regional Offices overseas such as in Bangkok. Interns research issues, draft analytical papers and reports, support other UNHCR activities.

APPLICATION PROCESS Applicants for the Regional Representation Units in Canberra must send their CV and cover letter outlining their qualifications, experience and motivation for applying for an internship with UNHCR to aulca@unhcr. org.

For the Canberra internship, there is no deadline for applying and applications are open throughout the year Other globally offered internships are advertised on a rolling basis on the UNHCR website.

Applicants must be in their final year of an undergraduate degree.

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Human Rights Law

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees was established following the 1948 ArabIsraeli conflict to carry out direct relief and works programmes for Palestine refugees.

The UNRWA offer unpaid internship opportunities at the Representative Office New York and Representative Office to the EU in Brussels for a minimum of three months. A limited number of unpaid internships are also offered each year in the Agency’s Headquarters in Amman, Jordan.

Internships last from three to a maximum of 11 months.

It is unique as it has a long-standing commitment to one group of refugees.

It delivers education, health services, awards loans and aims to foster human development of Palestine refugees to enjoy human rights to the fullest extent.

Partnership with UNRWA Australia At the end of 2017, UNRWA partnered with RedR Australia, a humanitarian agency for international emergency relief, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the Agency’s ability to respond in emergencies.

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WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees manage various UNRWA programmes including the education department, health department, relief and social services department and department of infrastructure.

Employees often undertake consultancy positions for projects and emergencies.

This offers students a valuable opportunity to familiarise themselves with humanitarian and development policy issues as well as the UN system.

Applications must be from students enrolled in master’s degree programs.

Unpaid internships are also offered in the Agency’s offices in Amman, Beirut and Herusalem.

APPLICATION PROCESS To apply, click the link to view the various application processes below: https://www.unrwa.org/careers/ internships

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Criminal Law Anti-Terrorism

Tackling cross-border drug crime in West Africa In 2019, the UNODC implemented ‘Operation BENKADI’, comprising of 18 law enforcement agencies in order to tackle cross-border drug crimes. The operation led to the identification and rescue of 33 potential child victims of human trafficking for exploitation in gold mines in Mali.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

UNODC aims to lead the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. It assists member states with domestic and interstate problems against drugs, crime and terrorism.

The Internship Program at UNODC aims to offer students an educational experience through practical work assignments within the UN. Interns work at the United Nations Office in Vienna, are not paid and are recruited on an ad hoc basis. Applicants must be enrolled in graduate/post-graduate university program (second university degree or higher).

UNODC helps government address instability and insecurity caused by crimes of illicit drugs, weapons and counterfeit goods between countries.

It promotes education campaigns, training manuals and codes of conduct through a programmatic approach in developing customized assistance for member states.

Minimum duration of an internship is two months and is on a full-time basis.

APPLICATION PROCESS

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO?

Applicants apply through Inspira on the united Nations Career Portal

There are three pillars of the UNODC programme in which employees work on:

http://careers.un.org/

• Field-based technical cooperation projects to help member states counteract illicit drugs and crime • Research and analytical work for policy and operational decisions • Normative work to ratify and implement international treaties, develop domestic legislation

Internship Job Openings are on a rolling basis.

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Human Rights Law

Saving lives and empowering women through family planning services The UNFPA’s Supplies programme procured $89 million worth of contraceptives and medicines for maternal health in 2018 alone.

This programme averted an estimated 10.4 million unintended pregnancies, 25,000 maternal deaths and 3.2 million unsafe abortions.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The UNFPA is the United Nations reproductive health and rights agency.

Their purpose and mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and young people’s potentials are fulfilled.

The UNFPA have an Internship programme located in New York designed to complement development oriented studies. It gives students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNFPA operations. Interns do not receive any remuneration.

It aims to support reproductive health care for women and youth in more than 150 countries, access to modern contraceptives, prevention of gender based violence, ending child marriage, and delivery of safe birth supplies. It also collects data, and analyses vital information for development planning.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? UNFPA has numerous branches to aid in achieving their goal of international reproductive health and safety.

Advisory roles through offices such as The Office of Audit and Investigation Services provide advisory services and objective assurance to improve UNFPA operations.

Through governance, risk management and control processes, it aims to bring a systematic approach to delivering key objectives.

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UNFPA also have a Young Innovators Fellowship Program in New York to undergo leadership training for three months in various Headquarters work units including human resources, finance, management information systems and external affairs. This program is a fully funded program.

APPLICATION PROCESS Applications for the upcoming UNFPA Internship Programme at the UNFPA Headquarters close on 31 December 2019.

See more at: https://www.unfpa.org/jobs/internshipprogramme-unfpa-headquarters# Students should be enrolled in an advanced degree programme or have recently graduated, and must have written and spoken proficiency in English.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Human Rights Law Gender Equality

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

UN Women is the United Nations entity responsible for promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. It aims to do this by expanding women’s leadership and participation, ending violence against women, enhancing women’s economic empowerment and strengthening the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

UN Women Australia offers an internship program for students to engage with not-for-profit professionals, grow their skills, learn about gender equality and gain practical experience.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Safe buses in Port Moresby Over the last two years, UN Women have created safe buses services for women and children on Port Moresby buses. More than 90% of women reported they had been physically or sexually assaulted, threatened or robs on these buses, and thus the Meri Seif Bus has become a fixture on the road.

Employees are involved in numerous focus areas in the organisation. Notably, employees aid in policy reformation and the gradual fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals as set by the United Nations.

They also create programs for increasing women leadership and participation in government, business and civil society.

Interns must be members of UN Women NC which can be applied for through the website: https://unwomen.org.au/ take-action/become-a-member/.

APPLICATION PROCESS Internships are advertised periodically throughout the year on the UN Women website: https://unwomen.org.au/ about/about-us/internships/.

They also analyse data such as gender responsive budgeting of the government’s social and economic plans.

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Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

Human Rights Law Securities

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

World Food Programme aims to fight hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working together with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

WFP offers internships around the world including its headquarters in Rome, Italy on a rolling basis.

Interns contribute to analytical work, participate in meetings and work with various departments.

It partners with more than 1000 national and international NGOs to provide food assistance. WFP is an emergency responder and focuses on emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation and development aid.

Helping to break the Ebola transmission chain The WFP has continued to help contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo throughout 2019. The WFI has provided lifesaving assistance to over 5 million people, including organising crucial logistical services to enable responders to reach new outbreak areas quickly

It also implements school feeding programmes worldwide, whilst providing food assistance to victims of war, civil conflict and natural disasters.

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Employees work on country capacitystrengthening mechanisms through drafting and implementing policies to promote food security and nutrition objectives.

They aid in developing disaster risk management plans, strategic planning and financing and consulting with national bodies to develop legislation.

Employees are also involved with monitoring operations and projects in order to measure performance and examine results.

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Applicants must be enrolled in university and have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies.

Additional requirements of being enrolled in a field of study relevant to the position will change depending on the department an applicant applies to.

APPLICATION PROCESS Internships are advertised periodically throughout the year on the WFP website: http://www1.wfp.org/careers/

Public Interest Careers Guide 2019-20

International Law

The WTO’s involvement in Boeing and Airbus’ 14 year cross-border dispute On 2 October, a WTO arbitrator issued its decision on the level of countermeasures the United States may request with respect to the European Union and certain EU member states. The decision has origins in a dispute between Boeing and Airbus dating back to 2004 when Airbus’ sales overtook those of its Boeings for the first time. In the next few months, the WTO will set out the level of tariffs the EU can impose on US imports in retaliation for subsidies that led to lost Airbus sales.

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) deals with the global rules of trade between nations, with a purpose to ensure that trade flows smoothly, predictably and freely. At the heart of the WTO’s work is the multilateral trading system of WTO agreements, negotiated and ratified in member states parliaments, which set the legal ground- rules for international commerce. Representing Australia at the WTO is the defining role of the Permanent Mission of Australia to the World Trade Organisation and is responsible for negotiating on Australia’s behalf in the multilateral trading system and managing Australia’s Geneva based aid for trade investments. The Australian Mission to the WTO in Geneva also leads on representing Australia in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTAD is the primary organ of the United Nations General Assembly dealing with trade, investment, and development issues.

The WTO Internship Programme provides an opportunity for postgraduate students to gain valuable experience from working at the WTO. The program runs for a maximum of six months, and is run in the WTO headquarters in Geneva. Assignments given to interns are intended to enhance the individual’s understanding of the WTO and of trade policy more generally.

APPLICATION PROCESS Intake to the WTO Internship Programme is on an ongoing basis, with no specific recruitment period.

However, there may be specific vacancy notices for internship positions requiring particular qualifications and skill sets published on the WTO’s e-Recruitment website. For more information, click on this link https://www.wto.org/english/ thewto_e/vacan_e/iypp_e.htm#WTO_

WHAT KIND OF WORK DO EMPLOYEES DO? Students that study law are given the opportunity to become Dispute Settlement Lawyers.

Dispute settlement lawyers contribute to the dispute settlement process of the WTO by assisting a panel established for a dispute or the Appellate Body members considering an appeal. Their role is to deliver substantive legal advice and to conduct research on legal, technical or procedural issues

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CHAPTER 4: Applying for Jobs in the Australian Public Sector

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APPLICATION TIPS WHAT TO EXPECT? Jobs in the public sector have different application requirements. Be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time preparing each application to ensure that all the necessary selection criteria have been met. Given the three levels of government and myriad of jobs within each level, there are a multitude of public sector jobs with their distinctive criteria and requirements. This guide will assist you in your process of applying for public sector jobs and give you insight into the candidate and application requirements of each job.

APPLICATION KIT

An application kit is a detailed guide on what to submit with your application. This should give you a brief summary of the department, the application form, instructions, the selection criteria and other information. You should be able to find the application kit on the company’s website or on the job advertisement.

Your application must include all the information specified in the application kit which may include: • A cover letter; • A coversheet; • A copy of your CV • A statement addressing the selection criteria; and • Contact details for your referees.

CV: WHAT SHOULD IT ACHIEVE?

What should a CV achieve?

A CV should provide an employer with a snapshot of you. It should tell the employer whether or not you are a suitable candidate for the position. The substance of a CV must provide a summary of your skills, abilities and accomplishments, as well as demonstrate your ability to co communicate in a written format.

RULES FOR WRITING A STELLAR CV

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4.

5.

Your CV should be two pages or less in length Avoid the following formatting errors: Inconsistent margins Mixed fonts Sending your CV in Microsoft Word (always save the document as a .pdf to preserve formatting) Use font size ranging from 10.5 to 12 points Write your ‘Education’ and ‘Employment’ experiences in reverse chronological order Use action verbs that add value to your job descriptions such as “Organised agendas for…” rather than “My responsibilities included…”

6. Be sure to proof read your CV to detect any grammatical or formatting issues

COVER LETTERS: WHAT SHOULD IT ACHIEVE? A cover letter should take your own experiences and tie them together in a way that meets the organisation’s aims and addresses the qualities of their ideal employee. A successful cover letter should: • Highlight significant parts of your resume • Describe why your experiences are relevant to the position you are applying for • Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively • Address selection criteria in the application kit • Demonstrate an understanding of the organisation and their values

RULES FOR WRITING A STELLAR COVER LETTER

1. Address the employer’s needs by addressing selection criteria and demonstrating why you are competent and willing to perform the job 2. Perform and demonstrate research to give your application an edge. Avoid looking simply at the organisation website – spend some extra time to look at sources such as articles or newspapers.

3. Use a sample cover letter as an inspiration only. Be sure to make a considerable amount of adjustments for each application to show your interest in the organisation.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the organisation’s values, and why your values align with this. Use professional examples to back this up.

5. Use resources such as UNSW Careers & Employment to check your cover letter and resume in detail.

6. Show, don’t tell. Steer clear from simply stating that you have ‘good communication skills’ or are a ‘diligent’ person. Instead, show you have these qualities through examples of experiences.

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SAMPLE CV Julie Tan

14 Athol Street, Leichardt NSW 2040 M: 0425 634 889 E: Julie.Tan@gmail.com EDUCATION University of New South Wales

Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) • Current Weighted Average Mark: 74.85

Feb 2017 - Nov 2021

Randwick Girls High School Academic achievements: • ATAR 98.45

Mar 2011 - Nov 2016

EMPLOYMENT Law Clerk George Street Chambers • Administrative duties such as invoicing, drafting and filing briefs • Conducted research for barristers and compiled evidence for litigation

Feb 2018 - Present

Volunteer Law Clerk Feb 2017 – Nov 2017 Salvos Legal • Conducted legal research, reviewed documents and prepared submissions for solicitors • Conducted client briefings for volunteer solicitors • Managed calls and urgent enquiries for lawyers Sales Assistant Dec 2016 – Jul 2017 Myer • Processed customer payments, provided fashion advice and answered customer queries • Promoted specific stock lines as directed by the store manager during weekly sales meetings Private Tutor Mar 2016 – Feb 2018 • Organised structured lessons for high school students in years 7-12 • Increased all student performance by at least 1 letter grade to maximise student ATARs EXTRA CIRRICULAR ACTIVITIES Director (Social Justice)

Nov 2018 – Nov 2019 UNSW Law Society • Managed three directors to ensure cohesion of the Social Justice portfolio • Liaised with Arc to secure funding to run major events • Increased student attendance rate at events by 80%

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Peer Mentor

Mar 2018 – Jul 2018 UNSW Law Society • Organised weekly events to help a group of six high school students transition into law school • Provided mentoring, social and academic general tips for students Yellow Shirts Volunteer

Dec 2018 – Mar 2019 UNSW • Organised and produced a week of live entertainment for UNSW students during O-Week • Managed tight deadlines and budgets to ensure that all performances went to schedule ACHIEVEMENTS • •

Winner, Clayton Utz Witness Examination Competition (Beginner) Third place, ALSA National Essay competition

Jun 2017 Jul 2019

INTERESTS • Bouldering • Marathons • Travelling REFEREES Martin Tanner Barrister, George Street Chambers P: 9382 5753 E: m.tanner@georgestchambers.com Lucy Walker Solicitor, Salvos Legal P: 9382 4922 E: lucy.walker@salvoslegal.com

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SAMPLE COVER LETTER Mrs Martha Majetic Stacy Smart

0425 299 384 Woodside Community Legal Centre Stacy_smart97@gmail.com 1, Woodside Street, Woodside NSW 2100

RE: Application for Woodside Community Legal Centre Volunteer Clerk Dear Mrs Majetic, My name is Stacy Smart and I am currently in my second year of a Laws/Arts (International Studies) degree at UNSW. I am writing to express interest in the Volunteer Clerk position as advertised on the UNSW Law Jobs Board.

I have a passion for public interest law and believe that I am an ideal candidate for the Volunteer Clerk position. Throughout my degree, I have been a director in the UNSW Law Society’s Public Interest Portfolio, where I have organised several events where I host panels and information sessions with legal staff working in the public sector. This experience has given me a unique insight into public interest work, and has prompted me into seeking more public interest experiences. I am also a subcommittee member of the UNSW Vinnies Society, and regularly volunteer at community events where I work alongside my peers to create charity events to raise awareness and funds for the St Vincent de Paul Society.

I am drawn to applying for Woodside Community Legal Centre for a few of reasons. Firstly, after talking to solicitor, Henry Parikh, who attended a UNSW Law information evening, I was made aware of the compassionate and hands-on approach that Woodside CLC takes to helping the community. Indeed, I was inspired by the collaborative work that the organisation does in line with other firms and organisations to achieve your mission. I also have a particular interest in immigration law, and I understand that this is an area of the law that Woodside CLC works considerably in.

I believe that I am an ideal candidate for this position and look forward to an opportunity to interview.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kind regards, Stacy Smart

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CHAPTER 5: Qualifying to Practice Law in Australia

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QUALIFYING TO PRACTICE LAW IN AUSTRALIA NEW SOUTH WALES

In New South Wales, a person is admitted as a Lawyer of the Supreme Court of NSW, and, once admitted, may practice as either a barrister (by obtaining a practicing certificate through the NSW Bar Association), or as a solicitor (by obtaining a practising certificate through the Law Society of NSW).

To become a solicitor in New South Wales you must meet the eligibility requirements for admission as detailed in sections 24 and 25 of the Legal Profession Act 2004 (NSW).

To be eligible for admission, an individual must be: • Over 18 years of age; • Have completed the required academic and Practical Legal Training (PLT) requirements; • and • Be a ‘fit and proper person’ (generally, this means that an individual is of good character.

• For more information see section 9 of the Legal Profession Act 2004 (NSW)).

PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING (PLT)

Once you have completed your law degree, you must then undertake approved Practical Legal Training. The Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005 contains a list of accredited law degrees (Second Schedule) and Practical Legal Training course providers (Fourth Schedule).

In contrast to the broad theoretical knowledge gained at university, Practical Legal Training provides instructions on a wide range of tasks and procedures, such as: • Legal research • Fact and legal analysis • Problem solving • Legal writing and drafting • Interviewing and oral communication • Advising • Advocacy • Dispute resolution.

• A course in PLT is available through the Professional Program at the College of Law, as well as • through the ANU and UTS Legal Workshops.

• The Professional Program consists of three components: • Coursework Component: 15 weeks of fulltime or 30 weeks of part-time study, offered via • Distance Online or on-campus courses;

ADMISSION CRITERIA

Having met the eligibility and suitability requirements for admission, to be eligible to practice as a solicitor in New South Wales you must be admitted to the profession in the Supreme Court of NSW (unless you have already been admitted in another jurisdiction within Australia). This is a one-time only application.

Once your application for admission is approved you will need to attend the Supreme Court ofNSW to: • Take and sign the Oath; • Sign the Roll of Australian Lawyers; and • Receive your original Certificate of Admission.

ADMISSION

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

First-time admittees should apply for admission to the Supreme Court of NSW via the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB). Once you have completed your academic study and your Practical Legal Training, and satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirements (if applicable) you may make an application for admission using Form 10 of the Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005. Applications for admission must be accompanied by two character references in Form 3.

PRACTICING CERTIFICATE

Prior to admission, the LPAB provides a list of proposed admittees to the Law Society of New South Wales. The Law Society will send you a kit including an application form for a Practising Certificate. If you are intending to commence practice as a solicitor in New South Wales you will need to: • Complete the application form for a Practicing Certificate and send it, together with payment, to the Law Society Registry by the date specified; • Attend an admission day at the Supreme Court of NSW to receive your original Certificateof Admission; and • Take your Certificate of Admission to the Law Society to receive your Practising Certificate.

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BECOMING A BARRISTER BECOMING A BARRISTER

Barristers are lawyers who provide specialist services and advocacy skills to represent clients before courts and tribunals. They prepare court documents and advise clients about their legal problems and prospects of success in litigation. Barristers work on their own; partnerships or incorporations are not allowed. They are usually briefed by a solicitor before commencing work.

REQUIREMENTS

The following processes are required for admission into the Bar. A person must: • Be admitted as a lawyer by the Supreme Court of NSW (or in another state); • Obtain a 75 pass mark for all three Bar exams (‘Ethics for barristers’, ‘Aspects of evidence’ and ‘Practice and procedure for barristers’), before commencing the Bar Practice Course. This is a condition precedent to undertaking the Reading Program; and • Complete the Reading Program, which involves a period of ‘reading’ for at least 12 months under the supervision of a barrister with not less than seven years’ standing. The Program includes a month-long Bar Practice Course, which involves study of advanced advocacy and barrister-related skills. During the 11 months after completion of the course, other requirements are imposed: criminal reading and civil reading, participation in two advocacy workshops, and attendance at six extension sessions. For full time practice at the Bar, one must commence within ten months of passing the exams.

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Notable Links

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ALL ABOUT LAW

http://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/

ALSA

http://alsa.net.au/

APS JOBS https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/

LAWYERS WEEKLY http://www.seek.com.au

SEEK ttp://au.indeed.com/Legal-jobs

SURVIVE LAW http://survivelaw.com/index.php/jobs/search/results

BEYOND LAW

TARGETJOBS UK

https://beyondlaw.com.au/

https://targetjobs.co.uk/

CHAMBERS STUDENTS http://www.chambersstudent.com/

COLLEGE OF LAW https://www.collaw.edu.au/careers/

ETHICAL JOBS http://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/

UNSW CAREERS AND EMPLOYMENT http://www.careers.unsw.edu.au/

UNSW LAW FACULTY CAREER PATHS http://www.law.unsw.edu.au/careers/students/career-paths

UNSW LAW SOCIETY CAREERS BOARD http://www.unswlawsoc.org/careers-board

GRAD AUSTRALIA https://gradaustralia.com.au/home/

INDEED http://au.indeed.com/Legal-jobs

JOBS NSW http://www.iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/

LAW SOCIETY OF NSW https://www.lawsociety.com.au

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