Practical Legal Training (PLT) Law Graduate

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia’s community services sector. Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA’s biggest Peer support workforces. Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated and embraced.

By choosing to work with us, you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.

Ruah Legal Services specialises in the provision of end-to-end legal representation with integrated psycho-social support. Ruah Legal Services trades as the Mental Health Law Centre (MHLC) for the provision of legal services to clients experiencing severe mental illness. Key practice areas include the Mental Health Act, Criminal Law, Care and Protection, and Guardianship and Administration Act matters. Ruah Legal Services also provides legal assistances to victim-survivors of sexual assault through the SALSWA project, and to women experiencing family and domestic violence through Ruah Community Services programs.

About the Role

Ruah Legal Services and Mental Health Law Centre (RLS) is pleased to offer two scholarships for law graduates to undertake their Practical Legal Training (PLT). The position offers mentorship from skilled, passionate and experienced lawyers to equip graduates with practical skills essential for a successful legal career.

These scholarships will cover the costs of graduates’ PLT courses (e.g. College of Law, Piddington, Leo Cussen, etc.). Graduates will complete the practical component of their PLT with RLS on a volunteer basis, and will have unique opportunities as part of their role with us. This includes but is not limited to attending Mental Health Tribunal Hearings; contributing to the provision of innovative, integrated legal services; conducting client interviews; and engaging with a wide range of clients and stakeholders. Please note that employees will not be paid an hourly rate or salary for hours worked, and the scholarship is paid through the cost of covering course fees.

To be eligible for these positions, applicants must be experiencing or have experienced hardship of some kind. Please note that as part of the application process, applicants will be asked to submit a brief statement outlining how they meet this criterion.

What we’re looking for

The successful applicant will be required to demonstrate they are currently experiencing, or have experienced, hardship of some kind. This is a genuine requirement of the role.

The successful applicant will be required to fulfil the following duties:

• Exceptional time management skills and demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks;
•  Perform administrative, file management and data entry duties;
• Draft legal advice, correspondence and court documents;
•  Conduct legal research and review evidence at the direction of lawyers;
• Attending court, and tribunals, and client interviews at the direction of lawyers;
• Answer incoming calls on the Telephone Advice Line in a professional manner;
• Field enquiries assessing whether or not various legal matters are within Ruah Legal Services (RLS) or Mental Health Law Centre (MHLC) scope;
• Find appropriate referrals for legal matters outside of RLS/MHLC scope;
• Facilitate the intake process for potential clients, including conducting interviews; and
• Other administrative duties as required as part of the scholarship.

 The successful applicants will be required to meet the following criteria:

• Exceptional time management skills and demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks;
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work co-operatively;
• Ability to work in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner;
• Demonstrated ethical decision making;
• Willingness and ability to work within and contribute to the vision, mission, core values and the guiding principles of the organisation; and
• Exceptional attention to detail.

Experience working in a community legal centre, as well as working with people living with disadvantages is desired, but not essential.

What do we offer?

• Cost of PLT course fees covered.
• An opportunity to work with a passionate and highly skilled team.
• An extensive learning and development program.
• Free, independent and confidential access to our Employee Assistance Program for yourself and your direct family members.
• Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups, joining us at Pride events, being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much, much more! 

How to apply 

We’d love to hear from you!

If you think this position is for you, we encourage you to submit an application! Applicants must provide the following documents:

1. A covering letter addressing the above selection criteria in no more than 2 A4 pages.
2. A copy of your CV.
3. A copy of your academic transcript*

*Please note, this scholarship is not judged according to academic performance.

 If you would like to discuss this criterion regarding financial hardship further, please do not hesitate to contact Nina Lafferty for a confidential discussion on (08) 9328 8012.

For a copy of the position description, please see link below:

https://www.livehire.com/jobs/preview/CDAK9/public

Closing date: COB Friday 28 February 2025.

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.  Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs. 

We are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All applicants will undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.