Staff Attorney, Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Staff Attorney

Posted on: May 24, 2013
Application deadline: June 14, 2013
Posted by: Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre

DESCRIPTION

The Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre (HKRAC) is a non-profit, human rights organisation dedicated to the provision of free legal services to refugees applying for protection. Since our establishment in 2007, we have provided life-changing legal services to over 1,300 refugee men, women, and children. HKRAC operates on a partnership model, with partners including law firms, academic and research institutions, and community volunteers.

Purpose of position:

The Staff Attorney (SA) is responsible for contributing to all aspects of HKRAC's refugee legal aid service provision. The SA provides direct legal services, supports partners providing legal services, and contributes to the work of the legal team.

Reporting relationships:

The SA is supervised by the Legal Director (LD) for all technical matters related to HKRAC's legal services. The SA is managed by the Executive Director (ED) for tasks related to partnerships and human resource matters.

Duration of position:

12 months, with review after this date

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide assessment; direct legal services, including advice, limited and full representation; and referrals, and manage a caseload assigned by the LD;
• Support partners and contribute to the work of the legal team by training, supervising, and overseeing legal services provided by partners and other members of the legal team, including pro bono and community volunteers, clinic students, and staff;
• Contribute to HKRAC's monitoring and evaluation system;
• Participate in refugee legal aid training weekends by presenting at least one core session, and contribute to other HKRAC trainings;
• Contribute to maintaining positive working relationships within the staff team and with other stakeholders;
• Contribute to developing organisational strategy, networking with strategic partners, fundraising, and whole-of-office initiatives;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the ED.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualified lawyer in any jurisdiction, preferably Hong Kong;
• A minimum of 2 years' experience in refugee or human rights law preferred;
• A minimum of 2 years' experience in managing and supervising pro bono and/or community volunteers, students, or staff preferred;
• A minimum of 2 years' experience as an associate in a US or UK corporate law firm preferred;
• Excellent interviewing skills, preferably including through interpreters, and legal research and drafting skills;
• A demonstrated commitment and sensitivity toward vulnerable and/or displaced people, including women, children, families, and those from diverse cultural backgrounds;
• Fluent in both spoken and written English;
• Strong public speaking, training and group facilitation skills.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your statement of interest, CV, and a 5-page legal writing sample to info@hkrac.org by 14 June with the subject line "Staff Attorney". Interviews will be conducted before the end of June, with overseas candidates being interviewed via Skype. The selected candidate is expected to commence employment by the beginning of September 2013. Due to the high volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.