• Legal
• Principal Solicitor
• Footscray, VIC
• Full time

25/7/2025

• Lead high-impact, complex legal matters with purpose
• Mentor & grow the next generation of human rights lawyers
• Drive systemic change in a dynamic legal team

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:
As Deputy Principal Solicitor / Special Counsel, you’ll play a critical leadership role in the ASRC’s Human Rights Law Program. Reporting to the Principal Solicitor, you will lead complex legal strategy, supervise senior lawyers, and manage high-risk legal matters that protect and advance the rights of people seeking asylum.
This role is key to sustaining legal excellence, ensuring compliance, mentoring future legal leaders, and supporting succession planning within the team. You’ll also represent clients in a small number of high-impact cases and act as a trusted delegate for the Principal Solicitor.

Key Accountabilities:

• Legal Supervision & Oversight - Provide expert legal guidance and supervision across complex protection visa, merits review, and judicial review matters to ensure legal excellence.
• Mentorship & Leadership - Lead and mentor senior lawyers, fostering a strong team culture and building internal capability through coaching, training, and reflective practice.
• Strategic Litigation - Represent clients in a select caseload of complex, high-risk, or high-impact matters with significant legal, human rights, or reputational implications.
• Quality & Compliance - Oversee legal quality assurance processes including advice vetting, file reviews, and adherence to risk and compliance frameworks.
• Delegated Authority - Act as a key delegate for the Principal Solicitor, including stepping into leadership during periods of leave or absence.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Strengthen relationships with pro bono partners, barristers, and legal advocacy allies to support impactful casework and systemic outcomes.
• Practice Management - Support program operations including casework approvals, workload management, accreditation preparation, and funder reporting.

About You:
You’re a seasoned and values-driven legal professional with deep expertise in immigration, protection, and public law. With at least 5 years post-admission experience, you bring strong strategic thinking, advocacy skills, and a passion for social justice.
You’re confident leading complex legal work, mentoring others, and managing risk in a fast-paced legal environment. You thrive in collaborative spaces, are committed to trauma-informed practice, and are motivated by the opportunity to build legal capability and drive systemic change.
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:

• Flexible Working Arrangements, including the ability to work remotely. 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 Affirmation 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)

Application Process
Only applications that include a CV and cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, will be considered. If your application does not include a cover letter it will not be considered.
Applications close Thursday 15th August at 5:00pm.
Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately, and the position may close earlier than stated if we have found suitable candidates.
All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

Please refer the Job description for details