National Pro Bono Manager

About UsWelcome to Barry Nilsson. For 60 years, we've been shaping a better experience for our clients and our people. What sets our firm apart is not just what we do, but who we are: a team known for its collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence, inclusion, and innovation. As an award-winning national law firm, we've built a culture that empowers you to not only grow your career, but be your authentic self while you do it.

About the TeamOur Pro Bono and Responsible Business practice is dedicated to providing free legal services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people, supporting charitable and community causes, advancing equality for First Nations peoples, and driving sustainability and ESG initiatives across the firm.

BN's dedicated pro bono practice seeks to address systemic legal problems and improve access to justice. We do this by providing free legal assistance to disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable people, and the charities and not-for-profit organisations that support them.

Our pro bono practice has been recognised through awards for Pro Bono Partner of the Year and as finalists for Pro Bono Practice of the Year and Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year. 

About the RoleReporting to the Head of Pro Bono and Responsible Business, this is an exciting opportunity to manage our pro bono practice including:

• relationships with our referral and community legal centre partners
• assessing pro bono matter requests, managing our legal clinics and graduate pro bono placement program
• identifying impactful pro bono projects and opportunities
• supporting our lawyers with pro bono including training
• supporting our pro bono culture and engagement across the firm assisting with pro bono reporting to our board and clients

There is also the opportunity to undertake a part-time secondment working with our community legal centre partners and to support our other areas of responsible business. 

This role is based in Melbourne (preferred), with flexibility for candidates located in Sydney or Brisbane. We are open to both full-time and part-time arrangements. About youThe successful candidate will need to be a self-starter with the experience and confidence to drive our pro bono practice.  We are seeking someone with:

• a passion for social justice
• strong communication and relationship skills
• practice management skills including high levels of organisation, attention to detail and efficiency
• experience in a similar role (highly regarded but not mandatory)
• current Australian Practising Certificate.

Benefits of Working with UsJust to name a few, we have:

• been acknowledged as an 'Employer of Choice' for the last 7 years;
• a supportive environment where managers genuinely care about your wellbeing;
• opportunities for structured mentorship and continuous professional development;
• progressive policies including a 9.5-day fortnight, working from home, purchase of leave options, volunteer leave, and a public holiday swap policy;
• an annual performance bonus scheme designed to recognise and reward strong performance;
• a relaxed office environment where you can "Dress for your Day";
• access to our Health & Wellbeing program, BNWell, which supports the mental, physical and financial wellbeing of our people including a yearly health & wellbeing allowance and a health & wellbeing leave day; and a shared care parental policy with equal leave for all parents.

Ready to Go Further?From your first day, expect to be embraced for who you are — because we're a firm defined by our people. Step into a workplace where individuality is celebrated, ambitions are realised, and collaboration drives success. At Barry Nilsson, it's about being you and going further. Apply today.

To make a confidential application, please click 'Apply Now' or contact Lulu Schneiders, People & Culture Adviser.

This vacancy is being managed exclusively by the BN People & Culture team. Should we require external support, we will reach out to our preferred agencies directly.

Barry Nilsson is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace where all of our people are supported to be their authentic selves, valued for their unique contributions, rewarded fairly, connected to colleagues, and empowered to achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+, as well as people of all ages, genders, abilities and cultures. Feel free to chat to the recruiter for this position regarding any accommodations or adjustments you may require to the role or the recruitment process to ensure your equitable participation.