Apply to Volunteer
MNCLC relies on the support of volunteers who contribute passion for social justice, commitment, and specialist experience. All volunteers have some level of legal knowledge and experience, although not all volunteers will be legally qualified. Volunteers can fill roles as a legal assistant, placement, or solicitor. Volunteers can also work on specific community-oriented projects.
Volunteer legal assistants can assist working in the front office talking to clients and assisting clients to identify their legal issues. Legal assistants are usually law students or people with experience working around the legal system.
If you are interested in being part of the team of volunteers at the Centre send an email to info@mnclegal.org.au You will need to send in a short application, including a copy of your CV outlining relevant skills and experience.
Legal Assistants
Volunteer legal assistants provide legal and administrative support to the solicitors at MNCLC in the following ways:
1. Legal Information & Referrals
Volunteers are responsible for staffing the front office are usually the first point of contact for clients and the community generally. As volunteers you can provide legal information and help with appropriate referrals.
2. Working on Casework Files
Volunteers support the solicitors at the centre through research, drafting letters and documents, and various other tasks. Volunteers will gain knowledge and experience of what is kept in legal files and the type of assistance we give to people.
3. Other Duties
Volunteers also assist with general administrative tasks involved in running a legal service. Volunteers can expect to develop skills in file management, assisting people in crisis, as well as increase their knowledge of referral services.
3. How to Apply
To apply for a position please send an application addressing each of the selection criteria below together with a copy of your CV. The application should be addressed to the Legal Services Coordinator and can be sent by email or post.
Selection Criteria
- Partial completion of a tertiary education qualification
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to social justice
- Experience as a volunteer in another environment
- Ideally available for 1 day per week for a minimum of 12 weeks (or equivalent);
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent computer skills
- Enthusiasm and ability to work as part of a team
MNCLC supports EEO principles and encourages people living with a disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds to apply. If you require some adjustment to the workplace to help meet these criteria please email info@mnclegal.org.au or speak with the Legal Services Coordinator on 6580 2111 to discuss.
As part of your application, please let us know if there is anything that we should know about you that may cause an issue to arise under the Legal Profession Uniform Law, Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2015.
Practical Legal Training
Complete your practical legal training and gain core legal skills with Mid North Coast Legal Centre in Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour!
Mid North Coast Legal Centre seeks enthusiastic and self-motivated Practical Legal Training (PLT) students with a commitment to access to justice.
PLT Placement responsibilities include client intake, file work, legal drafting, interviewing clients, and following up client matters. PLT Placements always work under supervision of a solicitor. Most PLT Placements will also be allocated an ongoing project to move forward on a more independent basis, although ongoing mentoring is provided.
These positions are only offered to suitable applicants subject to an interview and availability, and preference is given to applicants committing to a 15-week full time placement.
Applications must address the selection criteria and include a copy of your CV and academic transcript. Applications should preferably be submitted by email to info@mnclegal.org.au
Selection criteria:
- Eligibility to commence the practical experience components of Practical Legal Training;
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to social justice;
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with diverse groups and clients with disabilities;
- Understanding of ethical practice issues affecting Community Legal Centres, including confidentiality and conflict of interest;
- Ability to work independently or as part of a small team.
- Demonstrated interest in legal issues affecting communities on the Mid North Coast, for example Aboriginal communities, disability discrimination, or elder law.
MNCLC supports EEO principles and encourages people living with a disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds to apply. If you require some adjustment to the workplace, please contact the Legal Services Coordinator on 6580 2111 to discuss.
Staff Recruitment
Mid North Coast Legal Centre is a growing organisation. We advertise positions on Seek and various other locations.
Board Recruitment
Interested in finding more about applying to join the Advocacy Law Alliance Inc. (Disability Advocacy NSW & Mid North Coast Legal Centre) board of management? Please see the following information or call the CEO Mark Grierson 02 4924 3599 to discuss Information for Prospective ALA Board Members and Application Form