Social Justice and Volunteering Guide 2018 - Tasmania University ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Social Justice and Volunteering
Guide
2018
Photos courtesy of Darrell Choong
1
TULS would like to thank the following sponsors
for their valuable contributions
2
Why Volunteer?
Helen Wood
Judge of the Supreme Court of Tasmania
“Volunteering time and energy to a good cause is undoubtedly worthwhile and personally very fulfilling. For law
students, there are added benefits and it can be particularly rewarding from a study point of view and also,
professionally. Exposure to real people and real problems, often at the coal face, provides a practical understanding
of the work that lawyers do and why they do it. It can provide invaluable insight into the struggles and disadvantages
that people face in pursuing their legal rights and obtaining access to justice. The inspiration provided by real people
and their real stories gives added meaning and purpose to study and can help to shape aspirations. For students
embarking on their career, extra-curricular work in volunteering sets them apart and signals to prospective employers
that they are responsible and rounded, that they have a contribution to make to their community and also, a sense
of direction.”
Alison Lai
CEO – Volunteering Tasmania
“When young Tasmanians think about volunteering, they may likely conjure an image of people helping out in a
second-hand store, supporting a sports team or rattling a fundraising tin on a street corner. When they think about
these activities, it’s likely many do so with a sense of longing - wishing that they could balance their studies and work
to allow them to have time to volunteer. For those who experience these thoughts, I would challenge them to not
be limited by conventional ideas about what volunteering ‘is’ or ‘should be’. How we volunteer is only limited by
the extent of our imagination. There are literally thousands of opportunities to volunteer in Tasmania.
Volunteers are supporting the environment, safeguarding our heritage, running our festivals and events and
providing a helping hand to other young Tasmanians in need. For many, this support is provided face-to-face, but
for others, advancements in technology is now allowing young Tasmanians to volunteer at a time and place that fits
into their busy worlds. For those at the start of their careers, I would recommend volunteering as a demonstrable
way to develop new skills, strengthen existing ones and demonstrate employability. Yet more importantly, I believe
volunteering is more than just something that you will list at the bottom of your resume. Volunteering is what allows
us all to support, connect and participate fully in our Tasmanian way of life. A benefit that will carry with you during
your time at University, during your career and beyond.”
3
CONTENTS
FOREWORD BY THE HON. MICHAEL KIRBY 05
MESSAGES OF WELCOME 08
KEY INFORMATION 13
INTERNSHIPS 15
• TASMANIA
• NATIONAL
• INTERNATIONAL
LEGAL VOLUNTEERING 27
NON-LEGAL VOLUNTEERING 40
SOCIAL JUSTICE ENTREPRENEURSHIP 50
STUDENT TOOLKIT 58
CONTRIBUTORS 63
DISCLAIMER 65
4
“Because lawyers are often close to the levers of power in our
society, they have more opportunities than most citizens to
influence the attainment of social justice”
A most unusual job.
If you are reading this foreword and you are a law student, you have
selected a most unusual discipline. If you have chosen the
University of Tasmania and its Law School, you are fortunate in the
strength and reputation of its Faculty. I know this because, in
December 2017 I was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of
Laws of UTAS. You should try to make the most of the
FOREWORD opportunities that are now presented to you.
I’m not knocking other disciplines, of course. Too well mannered
for that. Medicine and health care are worthwhile, even essential.
But their courses involve cutting up rats and dead bodies.
The Hon. Michael Kirby Engineers, teachers and pharmacists have their merits. But law is
special in at least three respects:
• It is about the control of power in society. Be you ever so high, the law is above you. It puts a check on the
selfish exercise of power by individuals who enjoy it, so that the poor, the marginalised and the vulnerable in
society may be protected;
• Lawyers have a role in advancing notions of justice in society. A government lawyer or one working the public
sector has obvious responsibilities to the general community. A lawyer working in a private firm or for a private
corporation may exercise power to protect essential property interests. These involve rights that are essential
to our economy and the market place. A civil liberties lawyer will bring a case to courts or tribunals to render
government officials and others accountable to the law. By advancing and selecting cases and causes, a lawyer
can help to shape the freedoms that we enjoy under the law; and
• The law offers some who become its officers, a very particular and immediate role in helping to shape social
justice. While most of the law today is made by elected representatives in parliament, part of the law is still
made (or ‘declared’) by judicial officers. They do this when deciding cases, interpreting statutes or elaborating
principles of the common law. And giving reasons that expand the law. There is also our peculiar system of
judicial appointments. A lawyer, typically in the private sector, is plucked in middle years to serve for a time as
a public official. He or she then has an immediate and direct role in shaping the law and helping the community
to attain social justice.
5
Making the most of it.
Not everyone in the law can become a High Court Justice. In 110 years there have only been 50 of us. Justice James
Edelman, appointed in 2017, is only the fifty third Justice. Other judicial officers serve in the State and Federal legal
systems. But most lawyers never become judges. Many would not like the loneliness and unrelenting toil of the
judicial life. In any case, before a lawyer is appointed to the Bench, he or she should play an active part in promoting
social justice by volunteering for civil society organisations and undertaking pro bono representation. The secret of
success in this regard is to become a joiner. I always was. You should join civil society organisations. Doing this is
worthwhile. It helps people in need. But it is also fun. And it can engage you in many networks:
• At Sydney University I quickly became a member of the SU Law Society in 1959. We wanted to lobby, on behalf
of the students, for an increase in salaries for articled clerks. At the time, such clerks were only paid £6 ($12) a
week in their first year. Up to that time, the president of the SU Law Society had been a judge (Sir Kenneth
Manning). He objected to our troublemaking. He even threatened to resign. To his astonishment, I accepted
his resignation on behalf of the students. I moved immediately to change the Constitution of the SU Law Society
so that a student would be eligible to be president. Then, lo and behold, I was elected the president of the
Students’ Law Society. My glorious career in student politics took off. And we achieved the increase in the
salaries paid to articled clerks. Even young lawyers were entitled to social justice!
• When I was elected president of the SUSRC in 1962, I became leader of a student delegation to Nigeria and
Malaya. Our objective was to bring knowledge about Australia to these recently independent former British
colonies. However, in the result, it was the Australian delegation who learned most. We learned how our
country, sheltering behind ‘White Australia’, was often racist and sexist. This knowledge encouraged me to strive
more earnestly for social justice;
• Even after university, I continued to act as honorary solicitor for students. We took up the cause of Abscol-
Scholarships for Aboriginal students – to repair the fact that, to that time in the 1960s, no Aboriginal had ever
graduated in Australia. I defended students who had ‘liberated’ the Walgett Cinema in New South Wales by
accompanying Aboriginal students upstairs where they were banned. I also defended protestors against the
Vietnam War. Every generation has its worthy causes. If they do not exist, it is the duty of students, as leaders,
to discover and advance them, including through initiating legal challenges; and
• As a young solicitor and barrister, I took on many cases pro bono. Several were undertaken for the NSW
Council for Civil Liberties. In fact, I served on its committee. Years later most of the lawyers who worked with
the CCL became judges, law professors and leading practitioners. The best lawyers have always taken on legal
cases for disadvantaged individuals and groups.
6
Self-fulfillment and the law
On one topic of social justice in those far off days, however, I was silent. I refer to the oppression of sexual
minorities: homosexuals, bisexuals, transgender and queer people. When HIV/AIDS came alone in the 1980s my
partner Johan and I gradually abandoned the posture of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’. Although my sexuality was a “long
and open secret”, in 1998, I included my partner in Who’s Who. Shock horror! Some of the oppression of gays has
been repaired by legislation. But not all. Occasionally, court cases have helped to remove discrimination, such as the
recognition that homosexuals can be a “social group” for the purpose of the Refugees Convention. See Appellant
S395/2002 v Minister for Immigration (2003) 216 CLR 473. Many refugee cases and other challenges in the higher court
are brought pro bono by volunteers to pursue the goal of social justice.
Because lawyers are often close to the levers of power in our society, they have more opportunities than most citizens
to influence the attainment of social justice. During my lifetime, lawyers have played important parts in repairing
injustices to women, to Aboriginals, to racial minorities, to gays and people with disabilities. Every generation brings
new challenges. Now, legal groups have been formed to fight for animal welfare.
In recent years I have been participating in the UN Secretary-General’s High Level Panel on Access to Essential
Medicines (2015-16). I have also been involved as chair of the UN Human Rights Council's Commission of Inquiry
on North Korea. This body has addressed the grave violations of human rights suffered by the population of one
of the most isolated countries on earth. Universal human rights today are truly global – as well as national, local and
individual.
I encourage students at UTAS to become joiners and to get involved in the challenges of social justice. The special
feature of law that gives it nobility is its dedication to the attainment of justice. Every lawyer should play, however
small, a part in the achievement of this goal. They should do so in individual cases, in the Australian community and
in the wider world.
This is the challenge for you. You must embrace the challenge and respond. If you do, your life will be richer and
more satisfying. That is the special potential of the profession of law in all of its variety.
7
Welcome.
As the newly appointed Dean of the UTAS Law School, I would like
to take this opportunity to commend to you this TULS Social Justice
and Volunteering Guide, which provides a wealth of information
about volunteering and other work opportunities.
In many respects, the UTAS Law School is well-placed nationally and
internationally. In the most recent ERA exercise (Excellence in
Research for Australia) in 2015, the UTAS Law School was confirmed
WELCOME to be above world class, in the top tier of Australia’s 37 law schools
and our mooting and other competition successes is testament to the
quality of our students. Further, the most recent Times Higher
Professor Tim McCormack
Education World University Rankings by discipline placed UTAS Law
Law Faculty Dean 6th in Australia and 61st in the world – a stunning result for a relatively
The University of Tasmania small Law School. It helps that we have successful alumni pursuing
illustrious careers around the globe. As a world class Law School, we
hold out high expectations for our graduates and for the significant
contributions they can make through their careers.
Our Law School has a lot to offer our students: good quality teaching, an active research environment which includes
a strong postgraduate student body, and a welcoming and collegial atmosphere. In particular, we believe that there
is strength in our smaller size compared to some of the larger universities where students’ experiences are more
impersonal. Here there is a clear sense of Faculty identity and community which students can share. We offer pastoral
care of students and foster meaningful relationships between staff and students. An excellent facilitator in this regard
is your TULS organisation and the Faculty enjoys a good working relationship with TULS.
Alongside the TULS Careers Guide (this year published as separate Public Sector and Private Sector Guides), TULS
have developed this Social Justice and Volunteering Guide in response to the growing interest in social justice
activities at our Law School. This strong grass roots support can in part be attributed to the Tasmanian Law Reform
Institute, the State’s Law Reform body which is embedded within the Law School. No other Australian Law School
has embedded responsibility for driving the legislative reform agenda in their respective State or Territory. Our
unique role helps to keep law reform and social justice issues at the forefront of who we are and what we do as a
Faculty – both in terms of research and teaching.
8
Further, every year since its inception in 2011, our Law School hosts the Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Lecture
with an inspiring speaker to honour the memory of social justice campaigner, Sandy Duncanson. There is also a
bursary scholarship available to UTAS students who are interested in promoting a social justice initiative:
http://info.scholarships.utas.edu.au/AwardDetails.aspx?AwardId=2227.
There are a whole range of activities that Law students can get involved in, for example, volunteering for the Student
Legal Service, the Prisoner Advisory Service, the Refugee Legal Service as well as volunteering opportunities with a
range of public sector and not-for-profit organisations referred to in this Guide.
We encourage our students to be proactive and get involved in these activities; in addition to enhancing CVs and
employability in a competitive job market, our experience is that such engagement helps students to see purpose in
their law studies and promotes student wellbeing.
Professor Tim McCormack
Law Faculty Dean 2018
9
Welcome!
This guide aims to bring together law students and community
organisations. While volunteer work provides a unique opportunity
for law students to master practical legal skills, the contributions
volunteers can make to achieving social justice goals should also not
be underestimated. Volunteers contribute both by assisting people in
need and by contributing to community sector advocacy for law
WELCOME reform.
At a time when governments are cutting funding for free legal services,
Anja Hilkemeijer including community legal centres and Legal Aid, the work of
Faculty Social Justice Coordinator volunteers becomes increasingly important to the delivery of free legal
The University of Tasmania advice to those in need. To get a sense of the extent of the financial
cuts, it is worth noting that Commonwealth funding for legal aid
commissions is “about 25% below recent historical trends”
(Parliamentary Library Research Paper Budget Review 2014-2015).
Volunteer contributions to advocacy are also particularly important given Federal and State government attempts to
‘gag’ community organisations. As was pointed out in the February 2016 Human Rights Legal Centre report
Safeguarding Democracy:
Australia is a far better place thanks to the activism and engagement of Australia’s community sector. Many of the
rights, laws and policies we now enjoy in areas as diverse as discrimination, family violence, homelessness, consumer
protection, disability and workplace safety have been secured after years and sometimes decades of advocacy by
community organisations (at p.13). The organisations listed in this guide, on shoe-string budgets, do invaluable work
supporting individuals and advocating for law and policy reform. They need support!
I commend this guide to all those students with a passion for the law and a belief in its power to help those in our
community who suffer disadvantage and disempowerment.
Anja Hilkemeijer
10Hello Legal Eagles!
Welcome to the TULS 2018 Social Justice Guide! I would like to
congratulate the Social Justice and Equity Officer Bridget Wallbank and
her team on their amazing work producing such a comprehensive and
informative guide to inspire current and future students.
The Social Justice and Equity portfolio has been expanding over the past
few years in reflection of the importance of social justice and
volunteering. Bridget and her team have showcased various students who
have used opportunities such as the International Justice Initiative, the
Sandy Duncanson Bursary, and the Vice Chancellors Leadership award
A MESSAGE to help create a better world. I hope you, like me, are inspired by these
FROM TULS students and see their success as encouragement to follow along their
paths.
Genevieve Hargreaves-Morris
Social Justice and Volunteering are so important in enhancing our
President
experience both at university and into the work force. There are always
Tasmania University Law Society
new opportunities to contribute to the community, and as law students
we are in the fortunate position to be able to use knowledge gained from
our studies to do so. Being aware of social issues is increasingly important, evinced in funding cuts for free legal
services, impacting those particularly vulnerable.
I would encourage each and every one of you to get familiar with the opportunities outlined in this guide. While we
all love a good boost to the resume, social justice opportunities and volunteering are so important for personal
development and can create professional opportunities in the future. Keep your eye out for these opportunities
throughout your degree, whether you’re in first year, or on the home stretch, there is nothing better for the
community (and the soul) than helping others.
Genevieve Hargreaves-Morris
11Dear Legal Eagles
Welcome to the Social Justice Guide for 2018! I’m so honoured to have
been tasked with producing this Guide for you. Thank you to TULS and
the Law Faculty for recognising the importance of social justice and for
facilitating this portfolio and all other initiatives.
Volunteering is a great way to get involved with your community, and to
apply the legal and non-legal skills that you learn at university. It’s also very
beneficial to your CV, with employers recognising that volunteers possess
strong communication, team work and problem-solving skills.
My first experiences of volunteering took place driving with my mum to
A MESSAGE FROM deliver Meals on Wheels. I loved being able to knock on people’s doors and
THE SOCIAL see them smile as little 6-year-old me went into excessive detail about the
JUSTICE AND sweet potato soup and fruit salad that were in the week’s delivery. A smile.
EQUITY OFFICER That display of gratitude was all it took for me to get hooked on helping
others. In my desire to help others I have coordinated a breakfast program
Bridget Wallbank
at Risdon Vale Primary School, volunteered in dementia units of nursing
justice@tuls.com.au homes and been on the Student Legal Service committee, as well as
volunteering with the service.
With so many complex and nuanced issues facing our world it can be daunting as to how to start helping. Where do
you go? Who do you contact? By picking up this guide, you’ve made a great first step. To help you along, we’ve
compiled groups of organisations both with and without a legal focus which operate in Tasmania, Australia and
across the world. We’ve got their contact details, and how you can get involved with them. All that is left for you to
do is dive in head first, into the rewarding and incredibly beneficial work that these organisations undertake.
I need to make a special mention to my sub-committee. They have jumped into the work required to get this guide
completed with all of the enthusiasm and commitment I could have asked for. You can turn to the end of the guide
to find out more about them and what drives them to engage with social justice, and how they make others smile.
I hope that this guide informs, encourages and inspires you to get out into the world and create many more smiles.
Bridget Wallbank
12KEY INFORMATION
The Social Justice and Volunteering Guide is produced by TULS to broaden students’ awareness of the opportunities
available to pursue social justice and gain valuable practical skills whilst at law school. Taking on internship and
volunteering positions during law school allows students to gain a greater awareness of the social justice issues within
our local, national and international community. The work students engage in during their time at law school can
provide a crucial advantage when prospective employers are considering otherwise qualified applicants. Throughout
the guide you will find testimonials from UTAS law students sharing their experiences and reflections on what can
be gained from taking on volunteering work and internship opportunities while balancing a busy workload at law
school.
The introductory materials provide information about the different contexts in which these opportunities can occur.
WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP?
Internships commonly offer students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a supervised setting and provide
an insight into a particular field. Internships can be structured in a number of ways, such as working on a specific
project, ‘shadowing’ someone for a period of time, or undertaking specific research tasks. Positions generally have a
formalised application process and are merit based. Occasionally, these positions are paid. Many firms and
organisations take graduates on as employees if they’ve done an internship with them as a student. TULS has worked
to set up internships for law students in both the public and community sectors.
WHAT IS VOLUNTEERING?
A volunteer is someone who acts for a not for profit organisation to benefit the community, freely and without
coercion, for no financial gain. The benefits of volunteering for you are that while actively helping to provide much
needed services for society’s marginalised and disadvantaged groups, you will also learn to work in a professional
environment and gain practical work skills. You can gain experience in an area you have a particular interest in or
passion to pursue, which will also improve your chances of gaining employment in that area. Additionally, a
demonstrable history of volunteering demonstrates a student’s commitment to civil society.
WHAT IS THE PUBLIC SECTOR?
The public sector includes any person who is employed by the Government at either the Commonwealth,
State/Territory, or Local Shire/Council level.
Agencies & Commissions
The names and function of agencies of Government change with the election of every new Government. Agencies
are referred to as departments, such as the Attorney General’s Department or the Department of Education,
Employment and Workplace Relations.
Commissions are created by Acts of Parliament with specific functions and objectives. They are independent in their
operation, but administratively supported by an agency, e.g. the Australian Sports Commission, or the Tasmanian
Electoral Commission.
13Government Business Enterprises
Government business enterprises are mostly corporate structures with an independent board of directors appointed
by the Government. Examples of Commonwealth government business enterprises are; Australia Post and Defence
Housing Authority. All Commonwealth government business enterprises are governed by the Commonwealth
Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (Cth).
Local Councils
Local Councils are governed by the Local Government Act 1993 (Tas). This Act provides that councils are established
as corporate bodies run by elected members; the Mayor and Councillors.
WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY SECTOR?
The primary objective of community sector organisations is to improve the lives of individuals, and the communities
in which they live, particularly those who are marginalised, disadvantaged or vulnerable, through support, capacity
building, advocacy and raising awareness.
Organisations can be incorporated or non-incorporated; range in size from the large international entities to small
local support groups. These organisations are self-governing but are subject to government regulation, monitoring
and evaluation.
Community sector organisations can be divided into three broad sub-groups:
• Community organisations that are organised on a not-for-profit basis. These are usually active at a local
level, small and modestly funded; depending largely on voluntary rather than paid support. Examples include
neighbourhood watch and community associations.
• Community organisations that are formal, independent of government and self-governing. These also
operate on a not-for-profit basis and rely on a meaningful degree of volunteer involvement, though they may be
organised by a paid workforce. Examples include large charities and community associations.
• Social enterprises that are community based and owned. These organisations are primarily aimed at
providing a community benefit and returning a surplus for the purpose of reinvestment into the community,
rather than for the benefit of shareholders and owners. Examples include building societies and credit unions.
Further information
If you’re interested in private sector internships, or would like more information on opportunities post-study, check
out the 2018 TULS Careers Guides, covering Private Sector, Public Sector, and Non-Legal & Extra-Curricular
Opportunities from Careers Director, Thomas Warrington.
s
14INTERNSHIPS
15Tasmanian Opportunities
Guardianship and Administration Board
The Guardianship and Administration Board offers one lucky student during
a semester, the opportunity to volunteer.
The Guardianship and Administration Board is a Tasmanian independent
statutory board body that makes decisions for the benefit of persons who have
a disability and are unable to make reasonable judgments about their lifestyle
and financial matters. The Board maintains the authority to appoint guardians
and administrators to make important decisions for those that have a disability.
The Board itself consists of the President, who is a legal practitioner and a number of members from legal, medical,
accounting and community backgrounds that are rostered to sit on the meetings and tribunals held by the board.
This volunteer position is suitable for students in fourth or fifth year in 2018. Preference may be given to students
who have had experience or relations within the disability sector, and/or who have an interest or passion in this area.
The student will need to become familiar with the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995 (Tas), but pre-existing
knowledge of the Act is not required. This volunteer position is unpaid, and students are expected to attend the
Guardianship and Administration Board half a day per week. The successful applicant will gain experience in tribunal
operation. The successful applicant will also receive experience in research and policy development.
For further information: visit www.guardianship.tas.gov.au.
Contact: The President of the Guardianship and Administration Board via email at guardianship@justice.tas.gov.au.
Environmental Defenders Office
The Environmental Defenders Office is a not-for-profit
community legal centre advising on environmental and
planning law with the aim to increase public awareness of
environmental law and remedies. EDO Tasmania aims to
provide the public with the ability to have their say through free legal advice, help with environmental law research,
referral to other groups and agencies and community legal education. When available summer/winter internships
will be advertised at www.edotas.org.au. TULS will also make sure you know about this when opportunities arise!
Contact: Students can contact Jess Feehely on 6223 2770 or jess.feehely@edotas.org.au for more information.
16Student profile: Callum Jones
‘The practical experience of writing real legal advice is invaluable for those wanting to develop their
analytical and research skills, or for those who want a taste of life as a junior lawyer’
What I did during my EDO Summer Internship:
For two weeks across January and February 2018, I had the pleasure of
undertaking a summer internship with the Environmental Defenders Office
(EDOTAS) in Hobart. Over those two weeks, my role was to assist the principal
solicitor, Jess Feehely, and EDO’s litigation lawyer, Claire Bookless.
On our first day, we received three briefs consisting of requests for legal advice
by members of the public. Most of these matters related to environmental or
planning issues in the public interest. Our role was to research and advise on
matters involving interpretation and implication of relevant interim planning
scheme provisions. For instance, we advised on matters ranging from noise
exposure by aircraft to biosecurity requirements at airports to permit applications
for proposed forestry developments. Most excitingly, however, was when we got to research the need for a permit
when placing a new bus stop sign!
Later in the first week, we had the opportunity to accompany Claire and a client to a directions hearing at the
Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal (RMPAT). Claire requested our help in writing submissions
for this matter, which was to be heard in late-February. It concerned a development proposal on forestry land, which
required significant research of the relevant planning scheme and forestry legislation (as well as some sly investigative
work at the local library by yours truly).
Other matters we dealt with included summarizing the various environmental or planning policies of the various
major parties for the (then) upcoming state election and writing the fortnightly EDO Bulletin.
Why students should undertake this internship:
During my time at the EDO, I received first-hand experience of what life is like for a CLC lawyer. The work was
genuinely interesting and, while environmental or planning law may not appeal to an aspiring commercial or criminal
lawyer, the practical experience of writing real legal advice is invaluable for those wanting to develop their analytical
and research skills, or for those who want a taste of life as a junior lawyer. I highly recommend this opportunity to
other students.
Anglicare
Anglicare Tasmania is the largest community service organisation in Tasmania. Anglicare’s
services include mental health, housing and homelessness, counselling and family support,
disability employment, acquired injury, disability and community aged care and alcohol
and other drug services.
Anglicare’s Social Action and Research Centre (SARC) works to create social change
based on principles of social justice. SARC conducts research, engages in policy
17development, lobbying and advocacy work and campaigning activities with a focus on the needs and concerns of
Tasmanians on low incomes.
There are potential placements for law students in policy, research and advocacy SARC is Anglicare's dedicated
policy, advocacy and research team, based in Hobart. SARC publishes research reports and responds to policy
changes and submissions. SARC also undertakes advocacy and campaigning on social justice issues.
The interns will be given a specific project related to SARC’s work. It may be assisting with the development of a
policy submission, doing a literature review, or assisting one of our researchers on a project. The project will have a
legal angle. SARC would expect the interns to bring their legal skills to these internships and share these with the
SARC team.
For the interns, these positions will provide:
• Practical experience in a busy office working on social justice issues
• Exposure to working in policy development in the community sector
• Exposure to writing submissions to government, and
• Background experience to using legal skills in the community sector.
For further information: www.anglicare-tas.org.au
Contact: Meg Webb, Manager of SARC on 1800 243 232 or info@anglicare-tas.org.au
National Opportunities
Attorney-General’s Department
Each year, the Attorney-General’s Department offers
opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in a
summer internship in the department. The Summer Intern
Program provides the opportunity for students who have
almost completed their degree, or people who have recently graduated, to broaden their professional skills and
abilities through short term work placements in the department.
Interns are provided with practical work experience, a comprehensive induction program, flexible working
conditions and a competitive salary. The program will present you with new challenges and help you develop your
potential, as well as receiving an excellent insight into how government and the Australian Public Service operate.
The Summer intern program is a 12-week development opportunity for interns in a specified section of the
department, usually occurring between November and February each year. Applications for the 2018-19 Summer
Intern Program will be open in September and will close in October 2018. All of the positions are in Canberra. If
you're offered a summer internship, you'll have to pay for your own relocation and accommodation costs for the
whole period.
For further information: https://www.ag.gov.au/About/Careers/Pages/Summerinternprogram.aspx
Contact: HR.Assist@ag.gov.au
18NSW Law Reform Commission
Interns work as volunteers, ideally on a full-time basis for at least four weeks. The
Commission does not provide any remuneration or financial assistance to interns.
An internship at the Commission provides an opportunity to work closely with the
Commissioners and law reform staff and contribute directly to the development of
proposals for law reform. Depending on the reference this could mean undertaking
research, contributing to drafting consultation documents, assisting with consultation
processes, or helping draft reports. The Commission credits the contribution of interns in
its published papers.
For further information: http://www.lawreform.justice.nsw.gov.au/Pages/lrc/lrc_students/lrc_internships.aspx
Contact: communications@justice.nsw.gov.au
Amnesty International
Internship opportunities are made available on an as needs basis. Opportunities often exist in
the following teams throughout the year:
• Media and Public relations
• Finance
• Community Campaigns
• Administration
When positions are available they will be advertised on our Internships page. Interested applicants need to apply to
the selection criteria listed in the advertisement and attach an updated CV demonstrating any relevant experience
that they may have. Note that internships are different to volunteering.
For further information: http://www.amnesty.org.au/get-involved/internships//
United Nations Information Centre Canberra
UNIC Canberra offers graduate and post-graduate internship opportunities,
not secondary school. Qualifications in communications would be of most
interest to UNIC. A background in international relations would also be of
value. The duration of the internship programme is two months. However,
interns are NOT expected to undertake the internship on a full-time basis. To qualify, he/she must have at least
completed one year of their undergraduate degree.
To apply, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your CV by email to unic.canberra@unic.org with the subject
heading of “Internship application”.
For further information: http://un.org.au/careers/#internships.
19Cancer Council Legal Research Council
If you are a law student in your penultimate year (or above) or you are looking to
do a Practical Legal Training work experience placement, the Cancer Council Legal
and Financial Planning Referral Service offers volunteer legal internships. Interns
generally work 3-5 days per week and get hands-on experience in the delivery of
legal and financial planning services to disadvantaged clients.
For further information: Call (02) 9334 1995 or go to https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-
content/uploads/2012/05/Job-advertisement-volunteer-student-intern-and-PLT-2012.docx.
Contact: Please forward a CV and covering letter addressing the selection criteria to Jessica Orchard:
jessicao@nswcc.org.au.
Australian Law Reform Commission
The ALRC offers internships to students in their penultimate or final year of
an undergraduate or graduate law degree, from any university including
overseas institutions. An internship at the ALRC provides professional
development opportunity for students to increase their awareness of law
reform processes and improve their research and writing skills, while
contributing to an ALRC inquiry. Interns join a team for a current ALRC
inquiry and are supervised by the Commissioner in charge and/or legal officers.
For further information: https://www.alrc.gov.au/apply-internship-alrc.
Contact: internship@alrc.gov.au.
Australian National Internships Program
The ANIP is a cooperative venture, where students from the ANU, other Australian
universities and from overseas come to the ANU for a period to undertake, for academic
credit, course units which will include an internship working on a designated research
project in the Commonwealth Parliament, ACT Legislative Assembly, embassies,
delegations and high commissions, government departments and agencies, non-
government organisations, think-tanks and research centres.
The program is open to later-year undergraduate and postgraduate students from any
discipline from universities across Australia and overseas. Admission is highly selective and based on academic
performance, research skills and public engagement.
For further information: http://anip.anu.edu.au/.
Contact: internships@anu.edu.au.
20The Aurora Project
The Aurora Internship Program introduces students and graduates to
career opportunities in native title, land rights, policy and community
development, health, social welfare and research, all with an Indigenous
focus. The Program aims to provide assistance to under-resourced and
over-worked native title and broader Indigenous sector organisations
working in these areas including Indigenous organisations, government
bodies, community groups and other policy organisations.
There are two intakes for interns annually, during the summer and winter university breaks, for five to six weeks,
with some flexibility outside of those timeframes for graduates. Applications open in March and August of each
year.
Candidates should have a strong academic record, a sense of cultural awareness, an interest in the Indigenous/social
justice sector, and good communication skills. Funded internships are now available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander interns. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are required to be in their penultimate year of study
or above or have graduated. Candidates with an academic background in law, business, education, health science,
law, media/communications, social sciences, psychology and social work are welcomed. Non-Indigenous applicants
are required to be in their final year of study or have graduated and have a background in law, anthropology and
some social sciences.
Internships are offered Australia-wide and the Aurora Project seek applicants who have a keen interest in some or
all of the abovementioned areas. Paid placement opportunities may eventuate following on from an internship;
duties, conditions and remuneration vary from position to position.
For further information: visit https://auroraproject.com.au/internship-program.
Centre for Policy Development
CPD was established in 2007 as an institute for long-term policy
development, in an effort to counteract the focus on short-term fixes and
political gains in Australian policy making. CPD is independent and non-
partisan. It is open about its values as well as its funding sources.
Over the past two years, CPD has established a regional institution, the Asia Dialogue on Forced Migration (ADFM),
that is transforming emergency responses to people fleeing persecution; CPD has also commissioned a legal opinion
on climate risks and will shortly begin a new program on cities and settlement.
Internships are available on a case-by-case basis depending on research project needs. Applications for 2018
internships closed in February, but if you are interested in applying for the 2019 programs, keep an eye on the CPD
website for information about the 2019 internships.
For further information: https://cpd.org.au/about/career-and-intern/.
Contact: admin@cpd.org.au.
21Centre for Independent Studies
The Centre for Independent Studies seeks to encourage and provide
independent, fact based practical research and encourage/provoke debate
that promotes liberty, the rule of law, free enterprise and an efficient
democratic government. Since 1976, the CIS has produced valuable
research that has shaped and influenced public policy. The CIS runs an
extensive range of events including lectures, forums and conferences.
The CIS seeks to engage with the general public, business, media, academics, policymakers and politicians across the
political spectrum. A small number of short-term unpaid internships are available throughout the year.
For further information: visit https://www.cis.org.au/about/employment-opportunities/.
Contact: Jenny Lindsay jlindsay@cis.org.au.
International Opportunities
Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations
The Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations offers the opportunity for
Australians to undertake voluntary internships on a self-funded basis during sessions
of the Human Rights Council and the Universal Periodic Review.
The Mission seeks people with the skills, education, knowledge and abilities to
contribute to advancing Australia's national interests in the UN. Applicants should
possess relevant qualifications and background, with preference being given to those who have completed, or are
completing, tertiary studies in areas such as political science, international relations, law, human rights, environment
or international development. Prior exposure to, or demonstrated knowledge of, the United Nations system is highly
desirable.
Applications for internships in 2018/19 will be open from:
• 1 – 15 April 2018 (for September – October/November 2018)
• 1 – 15 August 2018 (for the February – March 2019)
For further information: http://geneva.mission.gov.au/gene/un_internship.html.
Contact: un.geneva@dfat.gov.au.
Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia
Phnom Penh
The Cambodian government and the UN established the ECCC to try serious crimes committed
during the Khmer Rouge regime 1975-1979.
The Defence Support Section participates in the UNAKRT internship programme which is designed to give young
lawyers firsthand experience in the field of international criminal law. Interns are either assigned to a DSS lawyer or
22to an individual defence team. Internships commence on fixed dates four times a year and last for 6 months. There
are also short summer internships for both the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere. Induction
programmes take place on arrival to ensure that interns learn about the ECCC and the DSS before starting to work.
For further information: https://www.eccc.gov.kh/en/internships.
Contact: unakrti@un.org.
International Court of Justice Internships
The International Court of Justice offers internships of one to three months to students
and young professionals who are in the early stages of their careers. The internship is an
opportunity for them to put their knowledge and experience into practice, while
performing certain tasks for the Court under the supervision of Registry officials. Given
the size of the organization, only a limited number of internships can be offered
throughout the year. Placements are, however, possible in all departments and divisions of
the Registry. The working languages of the Court are English and French.
Candidates are informed that they will not receive any financial compensation from the Court for their internship
and that they will themselves be responsible for meeting immigration requirements, arranging travel and
accommodation and obtaining valid medical/accident insurance coverage. They will further be required to sign a
written undertaking binding themselves to keep strictly confidential any information obtained during the course of
their internship. Upon completion of the internship, a certificate will be issued to them, summarizing the tasks
performed and providing an evaluation of the work done.
For further information: http://www.icj-cij.org/en/internships.
Contact: recrutement-recruitment@icj-cij.org.
Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals
The majority of the internship positions available at the Tribunal are of
a legal nature, and applicants for these internships must have a
university degree or be in the final stage of their undergraduate studies.
If a candidate for a legal internship has already completed a four-year
undergraduate university degree before commencing graduate legal studies, he or she must have completed at least
one year of graduate legal studies by the time the internship commences. Preference is given to law graduates who
are acquainted with one or more of the following disciplines: public international law, international humanitarian
law, human rights law, private international law, criminal law, comparative law, and criminology.
For further information: https://careers.un.org (for internship opportunities).
Contact: recruitmentr@un.org.
23IUCN Environmental Law Centre
The IUCN Environmental Law Programme (ELP) includes the World Commission on
Environmental Law (WCEL) and the Environmental Law Centre (ELC), in
collaboration, as appropriate, with the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law.
The Environmental Law Programme is an integrated programme of activities that assists
decision makers with information, legal analysis, advisory services, legislative drafting,
mentoring and capacity building at national, regional and global levels. The Programme
also provides the opportunity and the forum for governments, nongovernmental
organisations and others to network and to share information and discuss ideas.
Interns with high interest in environmental law are welcome to apply to spend some time at the ELC. Successful
applicants will spend time supporting the work of our legal professionals and will gain the opportunity to participate
in an exciting array of projects, conferences and workshops.
For further information: https://www.iucn.org/theme/environmental-law/fellowshipinternship/internship.
Contact: elcsecretariat@iucn.org.
UNICEF
UNICEF Australia offers a competitive internship program, giving interns a chance to work
alongside some of Australia's best not-for-profit professionals, grow their skills and gain
extensive experience with one of the world's leading international organisations.
For further information: go to https://www.unicef.org/about/employ and search for
“internship”.
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch ("HRW") offers internship opportunities in many of our global
offices. Candidates may apply for the positions listed below based on their location,
eligibility, and interest in the work of specific divisions and departments.
Internship descriptions vary but may include desk research, drafting documents,
assisting with event planning, helping researchers prepare for missions, monitoring
human rights developments in various countries, data analysis, liaising with current and
prospective donors, and engaging in advocacy efforts aimed at curtailing human rights
violations. Internships are generally unpaid.
HRW internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close
supervision by the HRW staff, interaction with other international organizations and foreign and domestic
government officials, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights.
For further information: https://www.hrw.org/about/internships.
Contact: australia@hrw.org.
24ICANN NextGen
The ICANN organization is looking for the next generation of individuals who are
interested in becoming actively engaged in their regional communities and in shaping
the future of global Internet policy. Important work is happening every day
at ICANN.
If you are ready to start your journey, attending an ICANN Public Meeting as a
NextGen@ICANN participant could be the place to start!
Through the NextGen program, ICANN provides coaching and travel assistance to students from the regions where
the ICANN meeting is taking place.
For further information: https://www.icann.org/public-responsibility-support/nextgen.
Contact: NextGen@icann.org.
Reprieve Australia
Reprieve Australia stands for a world without the death penalty. Reprieve
works with volunteers, interns, and their board to develop legal and policy
solutions that will help save lives. Reprieve Australia arranges for volunteer
lawyers and interns to provide legal and humanitarian assistance to
activists, lawyers, and prisoners in the USA, SE Asia, and potentially elsewhere in 2018. Here at home Reprieve
campaigns and conducts research to raise awareness of issues concerning the death penalty and ensure our local and
international partners are equipped with the best support and the latest information.
An applicant must join ReprieveAustralia before applying to be an intern. The membership application form and
fee can accompany the internship application. Applicants should email a copy of their CV, a sample of legal or
academic writing and a letter describing their interest in the internship to contact@reprieve.org.au.
For further information: http://www.reprieve.org.au/volunteer.
International Policy Analysis Network
IPAN is an independent, private, non-profit public policy organisation currently based in
India. As a part of the research advocacy, members come out with opinions, research briefs,
working papers and books which are regularly updated on our website.
The IPAN Public Policy Internship Programme mentors and trains interested young students in the areas of public
policy research. The objective of this programme is to provide students and early-career researchers with a pre-
professional, meaningful and practical work experience related to the student’s field of study or career interest. IPAN
Research Interns can undertake their work from their respective locations.
For further information: http://www.ipan.in/internship/.
25United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – Geneva
The different departments of UNHCR in the Geneva and Budapest offices offer
internships to young people throughout the year. Some family duty field offices also
take on interns. The duration of internships normally lasts between two and six
months. Internships are offered depending on the availability of meaningful
assignments and the needs and capacity of units/offices to receive and supervise
interns. There is no deadline for sending in an application form.
The kind of work interns are offered depends on UNHCR requirements as well as
the qualifications and interests of the applicant. Most interns work on a project which
will benefit both them and UNHCR, in fields such as refugee protection (legal), international relations,
administration and public affairs.”
For further information: http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646c49d.html.
Contact: hqintrns@unhcr.org.
Other opportunities
• Victoria DPC: https://graduates.vic.gov.au/opportunities-for-graduates/internships-and-work-experience.
• UN Women Australia: www.unwomen.org.au/about/about-us/internships/.
• Bridges Across Borders South East Asia (legal internships): http://www.babseacle.org/legal-externship-
clinic/.
• South Asia Human Right Documentation Centre: http://www.hrdc.net/sahrdc/internship.htm.
• International Criminal Court – The Hague:
https://www.icccpi.int/en_menus/icc/recruitment/internships%20and%20visiting%20professionals/eligi
bility%20requirements/Pages/eligibility%20requirements.aspx.
• International Committee of the Red Cross: http://www.icrc.org/eng/who-we-
are/jobs/vacancies/index.jsp
• International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - Disaster Law Programme:
http://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/idrl/internships-with-the-disaster-law-programme/.
• UN Careers: https://careers.un.org (or UNjobs.org for a comprehensive list of openings across multiple
international organisations); search for “internship”.
• Projects Abroad: Projects Abroad arranges a number of overseas legal internship opportunities, from human
rights-based work to more commercial placements across the emerging and developing world. More info at
www.projects-abroad.com.au.
26.
LEGAL
VOLUNTEERING
27Student Legal Service
The Student Legal Service (SLS) is run by dedicated University of
Tasmania (UTAS) students. It provides free and confidential legal
advice on general and migration matters.
The general advice sessions are available for the entire Tasmanian
community. The sessions are conducted by trained senior law students
with the supervision of solicitors from the Tasmanian legal profession.
The migration advice sessions are conducted by a registered migration agent. This service is funded by the Student
Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and as such, the service is only available to UTAS students.
Role of Volunteers:
The ‘student solicitors’ receive the client’s legal issue ahead of the appointment and prepare for the appointment by
researching the area(s) of law and preparing questions. The students then conduct an interview with the client,
explaining the nature of the appointment, the limits of the service and asking questions to ascertain the information
relevant to the issue. The students will then discuss the most suitable action with the supervising solicitor, close the
appointment and then take further action where necessary, often in the form of written advice.
In 2017, the SLS partnered with the Clinical Legal Education (CLE) (LAW643). Because of this partnership,
currently all SLS volunteers are recruited through the unit, and the students are assessed and given credit for the unit
based on their client interviewing skills and written/oral advice.
Role of Committee:
There are 9 positions you can apply for in the committee. These are: President, Vice-President Secretary, Treasurer,
Digital Relations Officer, Publicity Officer, Social and Activities Officer, Marketing and Sponsorship Officer and
Student Liaison Officer. The committee manages part of the administration for the service and works to promote
the service to UTAS and the greater Tasmanian community. This is achieved through events such as the SLS and
COMET Quiz Night, SLS Cocktail, bake sales and barbeques.
How to Get Involved:
Committee members: Advertisement and applications for the role of committee members for 2019 will begin in
September 2018. The new committee will take over the management of the committee by October/November 2018.
Student volunteers:
As the volunteering is now part of LAW643 you must enroll in this unit to volunteer for SLS. If you are unable to
enroll in LAW643 this year, there are many other opportunities to get involved with, including the Prisoner Legal
Service program, which is now facilitated by SLS.
For further information:
For queries about the service, visit tasstudentlegalservice.com or email enquiries@tasstudentlegalservice.com. For
queries about becoming a volunteer or a committee member please don’t hesitate to contact SLS President, Bridget
Wallbank at bridget.wallbank@tasstudentlegalservice.com. You can also ‘like’ the Student Legal Service – Tasmania
Facebook page to be kept up to date on future events.
28You can also read
