Key Features
* Purpose-driven legal work
* Make a meaningful difference through law, education, and community impact.
* Based in Newcastle with outreach to Gosford as required
Overview
The University of Newcastle's School of Law and Justice is seeking an experienced and motivated Legal Practitioner to join its highly regarded Older Persons Legal Clinic (OPLC). This role offers a rare opportunity to combine legal practice, community service, and legal education in a supportive academic environment.
Role
As the Legal Practitioner, you will conduct the Older Persons Legal Clinic in Newcastle and, as required, an outreach clinic in Gosford. The clinic is a core component of the School's Practice Program, a client-based practical legal training program embedded within the University of Newcastle Legal Centre (UNLC).
You will provide high-quality legal advice, assistance, and representation to older clients and their carers, while also supervising law students on clinical placement. A key feature of the role is delivering community legal education seminars to older persons, carers, and community groups.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver elder law clinics providing advice, assistance, and legal representation to clients and carers
* Manage a client caseload, including representation in mediations, courts, and tribunals
* Supervise and mentor law students undertaking clinical placements at the UNLC
* Deliver community legal education seminars to community groups and professional forums
* Contribute to law reform activities and engage with relevant stakeholders
* Support outreach services, including clinics in Gosford and remote service delivery
* Maintain high professional and ethical standards, including file management, compliance, and risk management
* Undertake associated administrative and reporting activities in line with funding and University requirements
* Build and strengthen relationships with alumni, the legal profession, courts, and community organisations
Eligibility and Qualifications
1. Experience as a legal practitioner with a strong commitment to social justice, clinical legal education, and community engagement.
2. Admission as a legal practitioner in NSW (or eligibility for admission).
3. Demonstrated experience in elder law, community law, or a related practice area.
4. Experience appearing in courts, tribunals, and dispute resolution forums.
5. Strong client management and casework skills.
6. The ability to supervise, mentor, and support law students in a clinical setting.
7. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
8. A collaborative, ethical, and empathetic approach to legal practice.
Compensation and Benefits
* Attractive remuneration package and excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
* Flexible working arrangements in line with the University's Flexible Work Policy.
* 17% super and salary packaging.
* Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme.
* Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
* Wellbeing programs.
Application Process
Please visit the guide on how to apply for a role.
Include your resume, a cover letter outlining your motivation, and a statement addressing the following points demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.
Upload a single PDF document containing your cover letter and responses to the selection criteria. The document should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).
Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
For specific position enquiries, please contact Sarah Breusch, Director, via email
Closing Date
Closing date: Thursday 22nd January 2026 @ 11:59pm AEST.
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