Practitioner in Residence

Posted:
3/24/2026, 2:19:03 PM

Location(s):
Queensland, Australia ⋅ Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level

Field(s):
Legal & Compliance

Workplace Type:
Hybrid

  • Expressions of Interest to join UQ’s TC Beirne School of Law, based in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law (BEL)

  • Full-time (100%) – 2 fixed-term positions: one commencing Semester 2, 2026, and one commencing Semester 1, 2027

  • Base salary will be in the range $104,616.68 - $113,920.12 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7)

  • Based at our vibrant St Lucia Campus

  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are encouraged.

About This Opportunity 

The UQ Pro Bono Centre is seeking an experienced, proactive, and energetic Practitioner in Residence to join our team for a short-term fixed-term appointment. This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with students and contribute to the delivery of high-impact pro bono initiatives.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, able to anticipate and manage administrative activities, and work effectively both independently and as part of a small, high-performing team. Exceptional communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines are essential.

Practitioners will have the opportunity to engage with students, provide guidance on best practice in the community legal sector, and support the implementation of the Centre’s strategic initiatives. This role also allows practitioners to work alongside a nationally recognised leader in pro bono education and research, contributing to projects that examine the impact of law on vulnerable communities and complex social issues.

Reporting to the Director of the UQ Pro Bono Centre, these short-term placements are ideal for experienced practitioners from Community Legal Centres, Legal Aid, or pro bono legal practice. The roles offer a flexible start in either Semester 2, 2026 or Semester 1, 2027, and provide an exceptional opportunity to mentor and train students, contribute to the Centre’s projects, and gain experience in a nationally recognised pro bono education and research environment.

For more information about this opportunity, please refer to the candidate information booklet.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

  • Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave

  • 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading

  • Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight

  • Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family

  • Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program

  • On campus childcare options

  • Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)

  • Salary packaging options

About You

  • Qualified legal practitioner – must hold a law degree and be admitted to practice in Australia.

  • Knowledge of community law and pro bono practice – understanding of public interest research and pro bono work in Queensland and nationally.

  • Commitment to social justice – a strong dedication to supporting access to justice and pro bono initiatives.

  • Experience in mentoring and supervision – demonstrated ability to guide students, volunteers, or junior lawyers in developing practical legal skills.

  • High personal work ethic – self-motivated, professional, and reliable.

  • Organisational skills – ability to prioritise tasks, work independently, and meet deadlines effectively.

  • Collaboration and representation – able to build productive relationships and represent the Pro Bono Centre at the university and within the broader community, including industry, government, and professional bodies.

  • Judgement and discretion – able to exercise creativity, initiative, and sound professional judgement.

  • Alignment with University values – demonstrates openness, respect, integrity, and a commitment to the University’s mission and values.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, professional registration, criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Tamara Walsh – via email [email protected].

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected] stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 
 

Want to Apply? 

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

  • Resume

  • A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section. Please indicate your availability to commence in either Semester 2, 2026 or Semester 1, 2027.

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact [email protected].

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications for Semester 2, 2026 close on 1 May 2026. 

Applications for Semester 1, 2027 close on 1 December 2026.