Principal Solicitor

Full time

23d ago , from ASRC Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

About Us:

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 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.

We are a values-driven organisation that strives to be part of a change movement that supports people seeking asylum by providing critical services such as assistance with accommodation, food, medical and legal services.

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:

The ASRC is seeking an exceptional Principal Solicitor to lead the ASRC’s community legal program, the Human Rights Law Program (HRLP). The HRLP works with thousands of people seeking asylum each year to provide legal advice and support.

The Principal Solicitor is responsible for managing the Human Rights Law Program including staff and volunteer management, Access to Justice legal service, Law Reform and Strategic Litigation activities. The role holds significant stakeholder engagement and works closely with our media and advocacy teams to continue to promote the needs of people who are seeking asylum.

Management responsibility includes achieving the strategic priorities of the program, leadership of the team, working with our stakeholders and sector partners to collaboratively achieve favourable outcomes and legal change for the people we work with.

About You:

You are a Solicitor with significant post-admission leadership and management experience with sound technical experience in refugee law and practice. Lived experience of seeking asylum in Australia is highly desirable. We are also looking for the following skills, expertise and experience:

• This role requires a strong strategic and operational leader who can manage and lead critical program services, projects and essential compliance requirements while representing the ASRC to key external stakeholders.
• You are both an excellent people leader and an excellent solicitor. To excel in this role, you must be able to demonstrate you can excel in both of those roles.
• You can drive change for the team and for the community we deal with.
• You have proven experience in leading and managing a diverse team, delivering on strategic priorities whilst building staff capability, resilience and engagement.
• You must hold a current unrestricted legal practising certificate and migration agent registration.
• You have demonstrated competency in advocacy before administrative decision makers and/or courts.
• You demonstrate cultural competency with the ability to work inclusively and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• You have experience in working in a Community Legal Centre environment with knowledge of the NACLC risk management guidelines and cross check procedures.

See position description below for more information.

Employee Benefits:

Joining the ASRC means being a part of the largest human rights organisation in Australia, supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. 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:

• We do have a 60% in-office approach to building our team cohesion.
• Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%
• Additional discretionary leave provisions including:
• Leave for Cultural or Religiously Significant Events
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Leave
• Leave for Staff Seeking Asylum
• Gender Affimation Leave
• Regular community lunch
• 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 see the position description here: https://asrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Position-Description-Principal-Solicitor-FINAL-AUG-2026.docx.pdf

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

Our Commitment to You: ASRC Candidate Care Statement

At the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, we believe in recruiting through the lens of our core values, ensuring every interaction and decision reflects the principles that define our culture.

What you can expect from our process:

• Welcome: We champion inclusion and encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience of seeking asylum. Please tell us if you need any accessibility adjustments.
• Authentic: We commit to a transparent and fair process, providing clear timelines and constructive feedback if you are interviewed.
• Courageous: We make objective hiring decisions based purely on merit and mission alignment, ensuring fairness and equity for every candidate.
• Collaborative: We value your time. We commit to timely, respectful communication and keeping you informed about the status of your application.

Thank you for your interest in joining the ASRC. We look forward to connecting with you.

#J-18808-Ljbffr