Lawyer

🌐 Division: Advocacy & Legal

📅 Employment Status: Full-time, Ongoing

💼 Classification Level: PL 7.1

📍 Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville

🗓️ Start Date: September 2026

About The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (UMSU)

The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (UMSU) is a dynamic, for-purpose incorporated association, serving as the representative body for all students at the University of Melbourne. Structured around student control of student affairs, UMSU is governed by an elected Students’ Council and twelve student departments, chosen by and from the student body.

Located in the heart of the University of Melbourne’s award-winning student precinct, UMSU is a vibrant, creative, and diverse social justice organization committed to representing and supporting University of Melbourne students. Our vast arts and culture programs for emerging student artists are run in a state-of-the-art theatre, a professional art gallery, the iconic Rowden White Library and the Ida Bar – the only student bar on campus.

About the role

The Advocacy & Legal Division encompasses a co-located community legal centre and an advocacy service available to students of the University of Melbourne.

The legal service lawyer is primarily responsible for providing high level support and advice and limited legal representation to students at the University of Melbourne. The position will also contribute to the development and delivery of the Legal Service’s community legal education, volunteer pro bono and law reform and advocacy programs. This is not considered an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties or skills required in the role.

UMSU offers workplace flexibility and opportunities for remote work, however as an organisation providing student-facing services and events, an inherent requirement of this role is the ability to work in person and on site when required. UMSU staff employment conditions are covered by the University of Melbourne Student Union Agreement 2023-2025 and associated policies, such as the Flexible Work Policy.

Core responsibilities of your role include:

• Legal Advice and Casework
• Liaison, Community Legal Education (CLE) and Law Reform
• Volunteer and Pro Bono Programs
• Supporting and working cooperatively with the Principal Lawyer

How to Apply

To find out more information about this position, please View the position description here.

All applications should include:

• A cover letter responding to the Key Selection Criteria found in the Position Description(maximum 2 pages of text). Applications submitted without a cover letter addressing the KSC will not be considered. 
• A brief CV highlighting relevant experience, and
• The names and contact details of 3 professional referees.  

Applications for this position close at Midnight, Sunday 23 August 2026 and should be submitted via the Recruitment Form 

If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please contact us at ***********@union.unimelb.edu.au

Your Expertise (Need to Have)- Key Selection Criteria

• A current Victorian practising certificate or eligibility to obtain one and 2-3 + years PAE.
• Demonstrated casework and advocacy experience in a number of the following areas of law: motor vehicle accidents, discrimination, tenancy, criminal law, traffic matters, infringements including fine negotiations and revocation applications, consumer issues, social security and other relevant matters.
• Ability to develop and deliver community legal education (CLE); undertake law reform projects and co-ordinate and supervise volunteer programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to social justice.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and within a small team environment to ensure goals are achieved.
• Well-developed organisational, time management and file management skills.
• A commitment to the principles of student unionism.
• A valid employee Working with Children Check or willingness to apply.

Bonus Points (Nice to Have)

• Experience in the community legal sector or legal aid.
• Experience in working in student organisations.
• Experience in working in a higher education environment.

Why Join UMSU?

This is more than a job – it's a chance to positively impact the lives of students. At UMSU, you'll be part of a diverse team, working together to foster a thriving, inclusive student community. We value creativity, diversity, and the powerful voice of students in shaping our future.

What’s on Offer

• This is a full-time ongoing role (35 hours per week), position with a starting base salary of $100,859.87, plus 14.5% superannuation
• A cause driven workplace with an eclectic culture and flexible approach to our work
• True work life balance – check out our benefits which include a 35-hour working week, 5 weeks leave, Annual Leave loading of 17.5%
• Access to professional development opportunities tailored to you and your career path

Additional information

Please note, all applicants will require to hold or obtain a valid Employee working with children check and provide verification of unrestricted working rights in Australia.  

UMSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations people, women, people with disabilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

UMSU acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Owners of the land where we operate. We pay our respects to Indigenous Elders past, present, and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

UMSU reserves the right to withdraw this position at any stage of the recruitment process.