Paralegal

Environment Protection Authority; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 62,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Protection Authority in Melbourne is seeking a Paralegal to provide administrative, legal research and practical support across EPA’s Legal practice areas. You will assist solicitors with research, document preparation and court-related tasks within a regulatory framework.

You will contribute to governance and information compliance, helping ensure timely responses to FOI requests and subpoenas while developing practical legal skills and a clear progression path within EPA's Legal

Qualifications

• Knowledge of law and regulatory procedures.
• Familiarity with civil and criminal litigation procedures.
• Ability to draft legal documents and reports.
• Strong organisational skills and record keeping.
• Initiative, judgement, and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Deliver responsive paralegal services to support our legal practitioners and leaders.
• Conduct legal research, evaluate options and prepare draft reports, advice, correspondence and briefings.
• Draft and review legal documents and maintain accurate, up-to-date legal records.
• Assist with the preparation of court documents, including Court Books and related filings.
• Support statutory and non-statutory obligations, including FOI requests and subpoenas.

Skills

Legal research

Regulatory knowledge

Drafting briefs

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Job description

Salary: VPS 2.1 - $62,104 to $70,930 + 12% superannuation

Location: 664 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008

About the Organisation

EPA is currently transitioning to a new operating model, creating a range of opportunities across the organisation. We’re looking for talented people to join us and contribute to EPA’s important work protecting Victoria’s environment and community.

EPA works to prevent and reduce the harmful effect of pollution and waste on Victoria's environment and people. We work with community, industry and businesses. As the needs of Victorians change, we must be equipped to adapt and respond to a range of factors.

We are a workplace committed to new ways of working, EPA celebrates diversity of people and lifestyles. We offer a wide range of practical options to support both your work and personal life.

The EPA Experience

• See the impact in the communities we live in: at EPA you see your work first-hand
• Range of internal working groups, networks and volunteering opportunities
• On-the-job training for a wide range of environmental roles
• Flexible start and finish times, as well as compressed work week options

About the role

As Paralegal, you will provide administrative, legal research and practical legal support across the full range of services delivered by EPA's Legal practice domains across the Regulatory Advice & Litigation, Prosecutions and Civil Enforcement, Corporate Legal and Information Governance and the Office of General Counsel. Using initiative, judgement and clear communication, you will help solicitors deliver high-quality legal services aligned with EPA's strategic priorities.

This is an opportunity to build experience in a regulatory legal environment while contributing to legal research, document preparation, litigation support, records management and statutory and Court obligations, including Freedom of Information applications, subpoenas and other statutory information requests.

Our legal team leadership is committed to investing in emerging legal talent. For candidates pursuing a legal career, this role offers the opportunity to develop practical legal skills and access to a structured progression pathway from Paralegal to Law Graduate and Solicitor through EPA's Legal Officer Adaptive Structure.

In this role you will

• Deliver responsive paralegal services that assist our legal practitioners and leaders to conduct our legal work.
• Conduct legal research, investigate options and prepare draft reports, advice, correspondence and briefings.
• Draft and review legal documents, file documents and maintain accurate, up-to-date legal records.
• Assist with the preparation of court documents, including Court Books, Briefs of Evidence, Affidavitsand associated court documents, as well as monitoring hearings, filing deadlines and related procedural requirements.
• Support the delivery of statutory and non-statutory obligations, including Freedom of Information requests and subpoenas, and develop procedures that improve service delivery.

Skills and experience

• Knowledge of law and legal procedures applicable to a statutory regulatory agency, or the ability to quickly gain this knowledge.
• Understanding the procedural aspects of civil and criminal litigation in the VCAT, Magistrates, County, Supreme and Appellate Courts, or the ability to quickly become familiar with relevant procedures.
• Ability to conduct legal research, assess options and prepare clear draft legal documents, correspondence, reports and briefings.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, including maintaining legal records and monitoring court hearings and due dates.
• Initiative, sound judgement, and communication skills, with the ability to legal practitioners and contribute to continuous improvement.

Eligibility

All prospective employees will also undergo a National Criminal Record Check prior to an offer of employment. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including, but not limited to, police checks, reference checks and role related security clearances.

EPA Victoria recognises the value of the diversity, strength, and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as we work with Traditional Owners to care for our environment. We provide a culturally safe and embracing work environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to merit, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We believe our workforce should represent the diversity of the lands upon which we reside; and we actively embrace staff of different abilities, orientations, backgrounds, faiths, and genders.