Practical Legal Training Students

Practical Legal Training Students - Homeless Law Justice Connect’s Homeless Law is Victoria’s specialist free legal service for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We are currently recruiting part‑time Practical Legal Training students (2‑3 days per week), for a minimum of 50 days total, in our Melbourne office, with start dates in early 2026. With Justice Connect, you can do your training and make a real difference in people’s lives. Sharpen your skills while working to help people facing disadvantage and contribute to a cause you’re passionate about — access to justice. It’s also a great way to meet new people, gain practical experiences, and develop career‑related professional skills and networks with a respected and established legal charity. Our Practical Legal Training (PLT) placements will provide you with practical and procedural legal experience and skills across practice areas. You will work alongside experienced lawyers and be exposed to embedded digital platforms in our legal practices. This will support you in gaining valuable skills and experience in your quest to complete your legal studies. Key Responsibilities As a PLT, you will develop practical and procedural legal experience and skills across practice areas relating to Homeless Law. You will have the opportunity to participate in: Communications: intake of new telephone and online enquiries; taking instructions and communicating with clients; assessing matters for clinic appointments, drafting letters and memos; delivering supervised legal information; supporting the work of lawyers and court staff, and drafting referral memoranda. Shadowing Lawyers: observing client appointments and shadowing Homeless Law lawyers at VCAT and Magistrates Court hearings. Data‑inputting: maintaining accurate client information on Homeless Law’s case management platform, Microsoft Dynamics. Advocacy and research: legal research, analysis, problem‑solving, and contributing to Homeless Law’s law reform, advocacy or project work. Organisational contribution: supporting Justice Connect’s Reconciliation Action Plan, equity and inclusion objectives, and organisational values; collaborating with other Justice Connect teams and participating in cross‑program initiatives; demonstrating behaviours aligned with Justice Connect’s values. Workplace health and safety: taking all reasonable care regarding the health and safety of yourself and others in the workplace and ensuring compliance with policies or procedures. Success Criteria Interest in human rights law and relevant issues. Interest in holistically integrated legal services. Knowledge or interest in community legal centre work. Willingness to develop and apply new skills. Supportive and cooperative team member. Ensuring clients, stakeholders, and colleagues are kept informed of progress and issues. Developing positive relationships with clients based on empathy, respect and fairness. Working responsibly within the limits of your own role and capabilities. Performing work in accordance with set guidelines and procedures. Seeking feedback from clients, stakeholders and colleagues to reflect and improve your work. Selection Criteria & Important Information Qualifications: Completed law degree. Currently completing a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) through the College of Law or an equivalent institution. Lawyers will not be considered. *Please note that PLT positions are unpaid.* Submit your resume and a cover letter. Include your available start date, preferred days, how many days of placement you can commit to, and details of your GDLP provider. We will interview and recruit PLT students on a rolling basis. Please apply as soon as possible, as we will close applications once we have recruited enough PLT students. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including lived experience of the issues we work on. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour, people from culturally and linguistically diverse and refugee backgrounds, people with diverse religious beliefs, gender diverse people, LGBTQIA+ people and people living with a disability are strongly encouraged to apply. Justice Connect’s offices are located on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, and the Gadigal peoples of the Eora Nation. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land. #J-18808-Ljbffr