Talk to us
CathNews, the most frequently visited Catholic website in Australia, is your daily news service featuring Catholics and Catholicism from home and around the world, Mass on Demand and on line, prayer, meditation, reflections, opinion, and reviews. And, what's more - it's free!
Junior/Intermediate Litigation Lawyer (ACT)
posted 7 hours ago in OtherJob Description
Human Rights Law Alliance
The Human Rights Law Alliance (HRLA) is a Christian charitable law firm that defends freedom of religion and fundamental freedoms of speech, conscience, and association for all Australians. Grounded in Christian principles, HRLA represents clients in strategic litigation, provides advisory services to vulnerable Christians, co-ordinates assistance with alliance lawyers and stakeholder partners, advocates in the public and media, and collaborates with like-minded organisations to advance and protect the right to speak and live the truth in Australia.
Role Summary
HRLA has an opportunity for a junior/intermediate litigation solicitor to join a team driven by strong Christian beliefs who has an interest in religious freedom litigation, and practicing in a busy law firm under the supervision of an experienced senior litigation solicitor.
HRLA helps Christians and other Australians who face hostility for their faith. A junior litigation solicitor in our team will be trained and supervised to manage a varied caseload, with significant time dedicated to civil litigation but also encompassing client triage and file assessment, advisory work and wider stakeholder engagement.
Given our size, this is a hands-on position that requires strong self-management and a willingness to contribute beyond purely legal work. This is an excellent opportunity for a young Christian lawyer who wants to develop broad litigation skills in a Christian environment.
All HRLA team members must be Christians who believe, affirm and live out the fundamental principles of the Christian faith which define the mission and vision of HRLA.
Responsibilities
- Conducting legal research and applying relevant case law and legislation to client matters
- Taking client instructions, managing client relationships, and providing clear, accessible legal advice to often vulnerable clients
- Assisting litigation across the full case lifecycle — from initial instructions through to trial or settlement — under the supervision of a senior solicitor
- Drafting and filing court documents including claim forms, statements of case, witness statements, and applications
- Managing a supervised caseload of litigation matters, ensuring all court deadlines, limitation periods, and procedural rules are strictly observed
- Preparing bundles and trial preparation materials, including chronologies, case summaries, and schedules of loss
- Attending court hearings, case management conferences, and interim applications (with advocacy as competence develops)
- Instructing and liaising with barristers, including preparing detailed instructions and briefs to counsel
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date file notes and case management records in accordance with firm policy
- Producing legal guidance notes, briefings, and policy responses relevant to HRLA
- Assisting with training or outreach sessions for HRLA strategic alliance stakeholders
- Monitoring legislative and case law developments and flagging implications for the firm’s work and client base
- Managing own diary, file administration, and billing records with minimal support
- Assisting with the preparation of funding applications, grant reports, or legal aid file audits as required
- Supporting general office functions including onboarding new clients, maintaining precedent libraries, and contributing to firm-wide processes and improvements
Skills and Experience Required
- Bachelor of Laws
- Admission as a legal practitioner in an Australian jurisdiction
- Current practice certificate
- Familiarity and high technical ability in Microsoft suite of products and practice management software, AirTable and other productivity apps
- Strong drafting and research skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- High-level interpersonal skills
Benefits In Joining Our Team
- Exposure to HRLA’s vast interstate alliance lawyer network
- Regular in-firm CPD that is precisely targeted to the team’s specific needs and delivered by the most esteemed lawyers and academics in the field
- Good work-life balance: HRLA encourages team members to keep family and church responsibilities in their proper place
- Daily team meetings where you will discuss your time capacity and receive clear guidance from HRLA’s Principal on work prioritisation
- Annual one-on-ones with HRLA’s Principal Lawyer, with time dedicated to the discussion of your progress, skill development and career goals
Expressions of Interest
If you think that you are the right candidate for this position then we want to hear from you. Please send your expression of interest and curriculum vitae to Natalie Weekley [email protected]. All applications will be received in confidence.
