Manager of Civil and Climate Justice - Melbourne - South-East Monash Legal Service Inc.

Description

Manager of Civil and Climate Justice

The Manager of Civil and Climate Justice oversees allocated practice areas in accordance with all requirements of professional practice obligations. The role provides effective management across legal functions in support of our staff and client services.

This position is responsible for leading a dedicated team to deliver legal services of excellence, highly skilled program planning & learning objectives for junior staff. They should display strategic foresight in SMLS' response to legal trends and demand. The Manager will ensure efficiency, high quality service delivery, future growth and organisational sustainability.

This role is future focused, exploring innovative solutions to complex issues, particularly in the climate justice space.

The Manager reports to the Chief Executive Officer and will engage with SMLS staff and external stakeholders to understand operational requirements and pursue opportunities to enhance service delivery through legal program excellence.

The Manager will play a leadership role across SMLS through their participation in the management Team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal services including advice, case work, alternative dispute resolution and court appearances in SMLS priority civil practice areas.
• Provide strong management and workflow coordination to build a highly skilled, service-focused, proactive, effective and reliable legal team.
• Develop and implement processes, policies and tools to ensure legal services of excellence.
• Management and coordination of systems and activities of the team (e.g. outreach, professional development planning, monitoring probation/records/planning, etc.).
• Drive the contribution to policy and law reform by the civil and employment team and contribute to advocacy initiatives on climate and climate justice issues.
• Oversee specific programs resourced to provide support in civil practice areas, including reporting requirements.
• Contribute to organisational leadership through participation in the SMLS Leadership Team.
• Drive strategic litigation and projects to address systemic legal disadvantage experienced by priority clients in our region.
• Draft reports, legislative directories, guides, case law summaries and legal analysis for publication.

Requirements

• Eligible to hold a Principal Practising Certificate or complete necessary course in Victoria.
• Minimum 5 years post admission practice including complex case management experience in civil practice and litigation (at least 2 years practice in employment law).
• Experience managing a team including mentoring junior lawyers in civil practice areas.
• Experience in program management, including demonstrated ability to plan, prioritise, meet deadlines and drive project outcomes.
• Experience leading civil litigation, including the ability to approach legal issues creatively.
• A demonstrated interest and/or commitment to climate justice.
• Proven ability to contribute to a cohesive team environment by sharing information, supporting team priorities and ensuring open communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and build mutually beneficial relationships.
• High level analytical skills and problem-solving ability, as well as initiative and a proactive approach.
• Experience working in an organisation committed to social justice.
• Experience in law reform monitoring and policy development.

SMLS Offers:

• 5 weeks annual leave.
• Extra days off over Christmas and New Years.
• Paid above award.
• Cultural and ceremonial leave.
• Family violence leave.
• Gender affirmation leave.
• A culture of mentorship and opportunities for career progression.