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Volunteer Program

Join Fitzroy Legal Service's 100+ strong volunteer cohort that's been powering community-led justice across Victoria since 1972.

Volunteers have always been at the heart of the community services FLS provides, and we rely heavily on the expertise and commitment of outstanding volunteers through all that we do. We recruit biannually at the commencement and middle of each year, with specific roles advertised as required. Subscribe to FLS updates to hear when positions are available.

 
We are not currently recruiting.

Thank you for your interest to volunteer for Fitzroy legal service.

Applications sent outside of recruitment rounds will not be kept on file.

Keep an eye on this webpage for upcoming recruitment rounds.

Key FLS volunteer requirements:

Unless otherwise specified, all FLS volunteers will require the following:

  • Undertaking or completion of a law, or other relevant degree.
  • Demonstrated interest and/or experience in social justice.
  • Possess the ability to work autonomously.
  • Strong legal and general research skills.
  • Interpersonal skills including an ability to work with a wide range of clients from differing social and cultural backgrounds.
  • Must be available to commit to at least twelve months of either weekly, fortnightly or monthly shifts, as specified in the role. Must be weekly for the first month, unless position requires more regular attendance.

Highly regarded experience:

  • Past volunteer and/ or administration and customer service experience.

About our programs:

Night Service

Paralegal pathway program: This is a two tier program offering a progression for both law students and practitioners.

For law students: After a roughly 6 month assignment in the admin assistant role, students will be provided with the opportunity to volunteer as a paralegal supporting our lawyers as part of our night service.

For practitioners: As a result of COVID we have uncovered a wide range of lawyers who are yet to gain experience in face to face client interactions. This program allows junior lawyers to come in as a paralegal for a few weeks to months (we acknowledge that everyone's journey is different) before stepping into the volunteer lawyer role.*

*You cannot apply for your practicing certificate under Fitzroy Legal Service while you are a paralegal.

Migrant employment law clinic: Paralegal positions only, working alongside one of our Night Service lawyers. Most recruitment for these roles is internal among our current volunteer cohort.

Day Service

Regular rotations: Our Day Service often requires volunteers for short assignments to assist different teams with projects, cases or inquiries. As a volunteer for our day service, you will receive emails from the volunteer coordinator inviting you to complete short term assignments with other programs as part of our day service. There are also other roles that come up that can be done in addition to existing roles or as an alternate opportunity. This allows volunteers to gain experience in vastly different areas across the service, meet other staff members and fellow volunteers.

Generalist and Integrated Services Team:

Reservoir generalist service, Women’s integrated legal outreach (WILO) and St Vincents: Paralegal positions only, working alongside our lawyers.

Crime Outreach and Generalist Service Team:

Neighbourhood Justice Centre, Drug Outreach: Paralegal positions only, working alongside our lawyers.

Social Advocacy and Public Interest Team:

Work Without Barriers and Voices for Change auspice, and advocacy in priority areas (harm reduction, gendered injustice, decarceration custodial rights, social determinants of health). Paralegal positions only, working alongside our lawyers and staff.

Others

Short term placements: please inquire with the Volunteer Program coordinator.

Work experience: Unfortunately we do not accept placements for high school students.

Thank you for supporting Fitzroy Legal Service champion community driven justice. Please consider other ways you can help our team drive forward access to justice for those who need it and donate today.

You can also subscribe to Fitzroy Legal Service eNews for direct alerts on volunteer recruitment, our news and avenues to get involved.

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