At DLA Piper, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on society. As one of the largest providers of pro bono legal services globally, we contributed over 250,000 hours in 2024 alone. Our commitment to pro bono work helps individuals and organizations who cannot afford legal services, fostering a culture of pro bono within the legal profession worldwide. Our team of expert pro bono lawyers is supported and encouraged to undertake meaningful pro bono work.
We are seeking a Pro Bono Director to oversee the day-to-day operations of our Australian Pro Bono function. This role involves working closely with the Pro Bono Partner to implement and deliver our pro bono strategy, developing strong internal and external relationships, identifying new pro bono opportunities, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality service to all pro bono clients.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Implement the Australian pro bono strategy in alignment with the International Pro Bono Strategy.
- Coordinate pro bono support for non-profit organizations, charities, community legal centres, and individuals.
- Undertake and supervise pro bono legal research and advice, including leading strategic litigation.
- Develop and implement pro bono programs that offer legal education and enhance access to justice for vulnerable communities.
- Cultivate pro bono client relationships and manage large-scale pro bono projects, both domestic and international.
- Ensure satisfaction of pro bono obligations with government clients.
- Manage pro bono programs with in-house clients.
- Prepare pro bono pitches and communications, both internal and external.
- Prepare pro bono data reports for external agencies.
- Attend external pro bono sector events and speak at conferences.
- Line management responsibilities for pro bono direct reports, ensuring effective delegation and delivery of work, while providing support and supervision.
About you
The ideal candidate will:
- Have experience in a pro bono team at a commercial firm with expertise in community law, law reform, legal education, and public interest litigation.
- Demonstrate experience in establishing and managing pro bono projects and clinics.
- Show a strong commitment to pro bono and social justice, with experience in sourcing, developing, and maintaining pro bono client relationships.
- Ideally have legal experience in areas relevant to DLA Piper's pro bono practice, such as international human rights, refugee law, administrative law, and climate law.
- Possess strong litigation skills.
- Have excellent presentation skills, the ability to work independently and in a team, and outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
- Be able to handle multiple priorities and work to sometimes conflicting timescales in a fast-paced environment.
- Build trust and rapport to develop effective relationships, both internally and externally.
At DLA Piper, you will be part of a dedicated team making a tangible difference in the world. You will have the opportunity to lead impactful pro bono initiatives, work with a diverse range of clients, and contribute to a culture of social justice and legal excellence.
If you are passionate about pro bono work and meet the above criteria, we would love to hear from you. Join us in making a difference. Please note, this role is open to candidates based in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
About us
We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.
At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.
We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.
Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.
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At DLA Piper, we aim to make meaningful progress and build an inclusive culture where anyone affected by disability, neurodiversity or a long-term health condition has an equitable and accessible chance of success. If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team and we will be happy to support you.
Agile Working
We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.
Pre-Engagement Screening
In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability, and references from previous employers.
Our hiring approach
Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations. Your Recruitment Business Partner will inform you of the recruitment process at the start of any recruitment process, but please let us know if you have any questions prior to making an application.
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