About DCLS

Darwin Community Legal Services (DCLS) is located Larrakia country. We acknowledge the Larrakia people as the Traditional Owners of the Darwin region and we acknowledge Traditional Owners of lands throughout the Northern Territory. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

DCLS is a free, confidential multi-disciplinary, community legal service which provides legal help, support, and advocacy to help people ensure their rights. Some of our services are focused on Darwin or the Top End, and some are Territory wide.

With over 60 volunteers contributing via our night-time and Saturday legal advice services, over 30 staff and 30 years of operation, DCLS has a long history of being a striving collaboration for positive change. Our legal help and support teams, which consist of the General Legal Team, Tenancy Advice Service and Seniors Rights and Disability Advocacy Service, are located together enabling integrated client support.

In all we do, we work to empower our diverse communities to access to services and support.

We work to promote awareness and understanding, and we advocate and collaborate for change that promotes fairness and justice.

About this role

This part-time (4 days per week) Paralegal position provides legal and administrative support to both the General Legal and Tenancy Advice Service (TAS) teams at DCLS, on a 12 month contract. One of the four days (Wednesday) is a dedicated reception day, ensuring smooth front-of-house operations. The position also acts as backup support for client intake and the coordination of the after-hours volunteer legal clinic.

This is a client-facing role requiring strong interpersonal, administrative, and organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing demands in a trauma-informed and culturally respectful manner. The Paralegal works under the supervision of the Principal Solicitor and contributes to the overall effectiveness and accessibility of DCLS services across both legal practice areas.

Key duties and responsibilities

Legal and Administrative Support

· Provide high-quality paralegal support to solicitors, including drafting letters and legal documents, legal research, and preparation of client files.

· Assist with client casework under solicitor supervision, including gathering and managing evidence, maintaining up-to-date file notes and client records.

· Prepare briefs and documentation for court, mediation, or internal use.

· Maintain accurate records, databases, and client information systems.

Reception and Client Engagement

· Staff reception every Wednesday, including answering phone calls, welcoming clients, managing appointments, and triaging enquiries.

· Respond to enquiries with empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism.

· Provide backup for client intake and support the coordination of the after-hours volunteer clinic.

· Ensure timely and accurate data entry and referrals to internal services or external agencies as needed.

Team and Organisational Participation

· Collaborate effectively with legal and advocacy teams.

· Participate in team meetings, staff meetings, and service planning sessions.

· Contribute to continuous improvement of systems and processes, particularly intake and file management systems.

· Maintain familiarity with DCLS services, community resources, and referral pathways.

Selection Criteria

Essential

· Demonstrated experience in a paralegal or legal administrative role.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· High level of organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.

· Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed and culturally safe practice.

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

· Competence in Microsoft Office and capacity to learn client management systems.

· Commitment to the mission and values of DCLS, including social justice and community empowerment.

· Current National Police Check.

· Current Working with Children Check (WWCC).

· NT Driver Licence.

Desirable

· Relevant qualifications in legal studies (Certificate IV or Diploma in Legal Services or similar).

· Experience working in a community legal centre or not-for-profit environment.

· Experience supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and/or people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

· Familiarity with tenancy, employment, or consumer law.

· Knowledge of services available to disadvantaged or vulnerable clients in the Northern Territory.

Salary and other benefits

· Current salary level of NT SCHADS Award 3.1 – 3.4 depending on skills and experience. DCLS pays above award wages and salary packaging is available. Superannuation per legislation, 6 weeks annual leave, generous conditions as per DCLS Enterprise Agreement.

· DCLS is a smoke free workplace and an equal opportunity employer.

Please send your application to [email protected]

Applications close COB Friday 3rd October 2025.