About the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Founded in 2001, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is Australia’s largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. We are an independent, values-driven, not-for-profit organisation whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social well being. We champion the rights of people seeking asylum and mobilise a community of compassion to create lasting social and policy change.
The ASRC movement is proudly supported by a community of committed volunteers and supporters who embrace the organisation’s vision that people seeking asylum can live safely, sustainably, independently and equally.
About The Role (Part-Time, 0.9 FTE)
As an Associate Solicitor within our highly passionate Human Rights Law Program, you will do much more than manage a vital caseload. You will act as a key pillar of our Access to Justice initiatives, leveraging your expertise to build the capacity, capability, and confidence of our legal teams. Working closely with the HRLP Management Team, you will help coordinate vital clinics (including Triage, Generalist, Gender, and Duty clinics) while providing essential mentorship, coaching, and supervision to junior solicitors, paid staff, and our dedicated volunteer network.
Key Responsibilities
- High-Impact Advocacy: Deliver top-tier legal representation across all stages of the refugee status determination process, including merits reviews, protection visa cancellations, judicial reviews, and Ministerial requests.
- Team Leadership & Supervision: Support, manage, and coach junior solicitors, paid paralegals, and volunteers. You will review substantive written work and ensure sustainable, equitable distribution of cases.
- Caseload Management: Maintain a high standard of client file management, conducting comprehensive intake interviews (utilizing interpreters) and ensuring complete adherence to legal and professional obligations.
- Clinic Coordination: Help oversee operational delivery across our Access to Justice programs, identifying trends and refining referral pathways with partner community legal centres and pro bono law firms.
- Cross-Program Collaboration: Partner holistically with internal ASRC humanitarian and health programs to ensure a seamless, supportive, and trauma-informed experience for our clients.
About You
- Qualifications: A current, unrestricted legal practicing certificate in Victoria.
- Refugee Law Expertise: A minimum of 2 years of post-qualification experience in Australian refugee law, with demonstrated competence in verbal and written advocacy before administrative decision-makers and courts.
- Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to supervise, develop, and inspire junior lawyers, students, and/or volunteers in a fast-paced environment.
- Resilience & Organization: Exceptional time-management and prioritization skills, with a demonstrated ability to navigate competing demands effectively.
- Values Alignment: A deep commitment to social justice, human rights, and the core ASRC values of Collaboration, Welcome, Courage, and Authenticity.
- Desirable: Experience working within a Community Legal Centre (CLC) and/or lived experience as a refugee or person seeking asylum.
Employee Benefits
We recognise and appreciate our incredible staff for their contribution, dedication and passion to support and empower people seeking asylum by providing the following conditions above the relevant modern award.
- Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%
- Additional discretionary leave provisions
- Free onsite car and bicycle parking
- Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year tax free)
- Entertainment Packaging (up to $2,650 per year tax free)
- Discounts via HR systems provider at grocery and retail outlets
- Close proximity to public transport (100 metres from Footscray Station and buses)
Position Description
Please find the Position Description here to address the Selection Criteria: https://asrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Position-Description_Associate-Solicitor_JAN2026.docx.pdf
Application Process
Only applications that include a CV and cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, will be considered.
Applications close 11:59pm Friday 31 July 2026
All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check, and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement. 