Legal Assistant (Volunteer) At Justice Centre Hong Kong

Justice Centre is a non-profit organisation that provides support to refugees, asylum seekers and other forced migrants in Hong Kong SAR. We work to support the vision of Hong Kong SAR as a welcoming and inclusive society.

We help forced migrants access social welfare and psychological support, as well as legal assistance with their protection claims. Our engagement with the community aims to promote refugee participation in Hong Kong society. For more information about Justice Centre, please visit www.justicecentre.org.hk.

Purpose of position

The Legal Assistant (Volunteer) is an exciting opportunity to gain practical experience of client-facing legal work with a high level of support and supervision.

You will assist on legal casework; provide file management and administrative support; and act as the first point of contact for the organisation in-person, on the phone, and via email. You would therefore play a critical role in client and external relations.

You will receive extensive training and high-quality supervision from our expert team of internationally qualified refugee lawyers. You will have the opportunity to develop professional legal expertise and undertake rewarding work. You will have the chance to learn more about and from refugees in Hong Kong, and make a valuable contribution to the situation of refugees, asylum seekers and other forced migrants in Hong Kong.

Responsibilities

• Review and action incoming and outgoing communications (post, fax, telephone, messages, email, etc.);
• Respond promptly to client enquiries (often highly vulnerable people), and that of other visitors, in a professional sensitive and respectful manner;
• Assist with the coordination of intake and referrals for new and existing clients;
• Draft legal documents and complete forms;
• Conduct client interviews (under supervision);
• Conduct legal and factual (including country of origin) research, and write interview and research-based reports;
• Arrange internal and external appointments, including coordinating schedules, reserving office space, and confirming appointments with all attendees;
• Liaise with interpreters, attend to interpreter matters, and keep an up-to-date records of interpreter details;
• Input, upkeep and coordinate data collection, entry, verification, monitoring and evaluation, ensuring legal and file management systems are accurate and up to date;
• Coordinate and assist with events, including managing materials, guest lists, venues, catering, and pre- and post-event evaluations;
• Ensure the organisation and tidiness of office;
• Undertake other administrative and organisational tasks, such as taking minutes, scanning, filing, and document management;
• Contribute to developing legal service information and processes;
• Assist in the development and delivery of training;
• Contribute to maintaining positive working relationships with internal staff and with HKSAR government, professional bodies, UNHCR, NGOs and other stakeholders;
• Attend all relevant staff meetings;
• Perform other tasks as required for the support of the delivery of Legal Services, as requested by the Legal Coordinator and/or Legal Services Manager; and
• Comply with Justice Centre’s policies and procedures, and treat everyone with respect, dignity and fairness.

Requirements

Essential

• University degree in law, social science, international relations, or other relevant fields, or equivalent industry experience (current/prospective university students may also be considered);
• Multicultural sensitivity and ability to work compassionately and effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds (and who are often vulnerable including those with mental health issues), and across the language barrier;
• Commitment to upholding the principle of equal opportunities, and interest in issues related to refugees, asylum seekers and other forced migrants;
• Fluency in verbal and written English, and ability to present complex information (verbally and written) in ways that make it understandable and accessible;
• Demonstrable organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and to work effectively when under time pressure;
• Team-player with excellent interpersonal skills;
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills;
• Literacy in basic data entry, Microsoft Office and Outlook; and
• Legal right to work/volunteer in Hong Kong.

Desirable

• Understanding of the challenges faced by refugees, asylum seekers and other forced migrants in Hong Kong, including legal, mental health and social welfare issues;
• Experience of working with vulnerable and young people who may be traumatised or distressed in a professional setting;
• Experience of and/or training in domestic and/or international laws, processes and policies relating to refugees, asylum seekers and other forced migrants;
• Fluency in Cantonese; and
• Fluency in another language such as French, Arabic, Somali, Urdu, Hindi, Sinhala or Bengali would be a considerable asset.

Benefits

• A daily stipend of HK$75;
• Access to in depth training and supervision from internationally qualified lawyers;
• Access to external professional development opportunities within the refugee response and forced displacement sector;
• Flexible working hours; and
• Generous leave policy.