Location: Sydney
Job type: Full-time
EDO is a diverse and inclusive workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply
The opportunity:
Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is the largest environmental legal centre in the Australia-Pacific, dedicated to protecting our climate, communities and shared environment by providing access to justice, running ground-breaking litigation and leading law reform advocacy.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a criminal lawyer to join our Citizen Representation Program (CRP). The CRP provides specialist legal advice and information about the laws that regulate protest activities concerning the environment. In addition, the CRP provides legal representation to those who have been charged with criminal offences arising from their participation in such activities.
This is a unique opportunity to join the EDO in a period of growth and rapid expansion. While the position itself is Sydney-based there will be numerous opportunities to travel to, and practice in, other jurisdictions throughout Australia.
You will have an unrestricted practising certificate, or be eligible to hold one, with direct experience working in an area of direct relevance to the CRP. Forming part of the new Healthy Environment and Justice Program, this position represents an opportunity to deliver on human rights and the promotion of democracy in each jurisdiction, and offers a high level of autonomy. Lawyers who think outside the box and want a chance to think creatively about delivering systemic change are strongly encouraged to apply.
EDO is a diverse and inclusive workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are particularly encouraged to apply.
The position is for an initial period of 12 months with an option to renew subject to funding.
EDO is a diverse and inclusive workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are particularly encouraged to apply.
Perks:
- The chance to deliver positive and just outcomes and develop a unique legal practice within the EDO
- A flexible and family-friendly workplace
- Extra leave over the Christmas period
- 15 personal days per year
- Ongoing professional development opportunities, including media training, as required.
Key selection criteria
Core skills
- An unrestricted practicing certificate or entitlement to same
- A minimum of 2 years PAE working as a solicitor including litigation, 4 + years PAE highly desirable
- Demonstrated experience in criminal law
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound judgements and decisions based on consideration of different views
- Demonstrated ability to work productively and to deadlines
- Excellent oral and written communication skills suited to a range of audiences
Substantive experience
- Demonstrated litigation experience in criminal law and/or related disciplines
- Capacity to undertake law reform or policy, experience desirable
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and individuals highly desirable
Personal qualities and cultural competency
- A champion of the agreed values of the EDO
- Strong initiative and self-motivation
- Commitment to the protection of the environment and to democracy
- A strong sense of ethics and understanding of professional obligations
- Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations in both the delivery of our work and our internal culture
- Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment.
NOTE: Travel is an essential part of this role.
Download full position description above for more information on this role.
About us
Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is the largest environmental legal centre in the Australia-Pacific, dedicated to protecting our climate, communities and shared environment by providing access to justice, running ground-breaking litigation and leading law reform advocacy.
With the 8 Environmental Defenders Offices around Australia merging in late 2019, we are now entering a period of substantial growth necessary to meet the growing demands of the public for public interest legal services to address environmental and public health issues such as climate change.
As the region’s legal experts in our field, we aim to be a brave, unified, and focused team, committed to inclusion and excellence in all that we do. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace supporting a highly skilled, engaged, and effective team, where everyone can feel that they belong.
Our Values:
Commitment – We are committed to; a united organisation, to each other, to collaboration, to justice, to our communities and to creating a world where nature thrives.
Diversity – We are respectful of and welcome diversity of staff, volunteers, offices, environmental regions, communities, stakeholders.
Integrity – We work effectively, efficiently, strategically, professionally, and ethically; “justice is in our nature”.
Visionary – We lead change and environmental empowerment using innovation, creativity, and courage.
How to Apply
Applications must address the key selection criteria, identify the level of seniority preferred and provide evidence of qualifications (CV). Potential applicants are encouraged to obtain further information on the work of EDO from our website. Applications which do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.
For further information about the position contact Julia Grix, Managing Lawyer, Citizen Representation Program by email at [email protected].
Applications close at midday on Tuesday, 15 December 2020 and are to be forwarded to [email protected] with ‘Application for position of Solicitor / Senior Solicitor CRP’ in the subject line.
