Generalist Solicitor

Ability Rights Centre – Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS)

Work Type: Limited contract to 28 June 2025 with possible extension:  37.5 hours per week (full-time)

Classification: Disability, Legal and Human Rights

Remuneration: SCHADS Level 6

Location: Sydney CBD

Applications Close: Sunday 21 July 2024 at 10pm

About IDRS

Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) operates a community legal centre and disability advocacy services working to ‘make rights real’ for people in NSW living with disabilities, particularly cognitive disabilities. We value and demonstrate justice, respect, and persistence in all our work.

IDRS is looking for a Solicitor for our community legal centre, the Ability Rights Centre (ARC). See attached position description.

The Ability Rights Centre provides legal and advocacy services for people with cognitive and other disabilities.  It also delivers community legal education and engages in law and policy reform work with a view to promoting and protecting the rights of people with disability.  ARC’s services are available to people across NSW.

For more information about the work of IDRS and ARC visit the IDRS website www.idrs.org.au

ARC Solicitor

This solicitor is a member of the ARC general legal team.  The solicitor is responsible for providing legal services, providing information and referral, and undertaking some administrative duties.

• Maximum term contract position to 28 June 2025, located in Sydney CBD
• Salary range $105,270 – $109,924 per annum based on SCHADS level 6 depending on skills and experience
• 11.5% super + salary sacrifice tax benefits
• Option of working some hours from home

IDRS values a diverse workforce and encourages people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for this position.

Key Responsibilities – see full position description here

1. Provision of legal advice
2. Undertaking legal casework
3. Delivery of legal education and training
4. Contribute to policy and law reform work
5. Contributing to legal information publications and resources
6. Contributing to a cohesive, reliable, high-quality service
7. Personal accountability

Selection criteria

You must include a statement explaining how you meet each of these criteria in your application

 Required skills and experience

1. Admitted to practice in New South Wales and hold or be eligible to hold a practising certificate in New South Wales
2. Significant experience in providing legal advice and conducting legal casework for people from socially disadvantaged populations
3. Ability to simplify legal jargon and communicate effectively with people with cognitive impairment
4. Ability to work effectively with staff from other professional backgrounds
5. Ability to deliver community legal education

Desirable skills and experience

1. Experience appearing in courts and tribunals
2. Understanding of issues affecting people with cognitive impairment

To apply

Submit your current CV and a cover letter (maximum letter length 4 pages) outlining your reasons for applying and your suitability for the role, based on the list of Required Skills and Experience.  Email your application to arc@idrs.org.au  Please write ‘Generalist Solicitor Position’ in the subject line.  If you have any accessibility needs for the recruitment or interviewing process, please let us know in your application.

Applications close: Sunday 21 July 2024 at 10pm

Please note:  Any offer of a position will be subject to –

1. the satisfactory outcome of a criminal record check; and
2. an up-to-date Working with Children Check.

Enquiries – Email margot@idrs.org.au