Principal Migration Lawyer

Drive legal excellence and make a real social impact SSI Legal is seeking a Principal Migration Lawyer to lead a high-performing team and deliver meaningful outcomes for migrants, refugees, and employers.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Social Enterprise and the SSI Legal Board, the Principal Migration Lawyer of SSI Legal is tasked to lead and grow a sustainable, client-focused migration law practice that advances the rights and opportunities of migrants and refugees, and employers to access the skilled workforce they require. This role is responsible for delivering high-quality legal services, migration advice, workforce strategies, generating revenue through fee-for-service and referral pathways, and managing a small legal team. As a senior leader within SSI's social enterprise arm, the Principal Migration Lawyer plays a key role in aligning legal service delivery with SSI's broader social impact goals, ensuring legal excellence and governance, operational efficiency, and meaningful community outcomes.

The role also holds responsibility for governance and strategic oversight, including regular reporting to the SSI Legal Board at the required cadence. This includes providing updates on financial performance, risk management, legal compliance, and impact outcomes to support transparent decision-making and continuous improvement across the enterprise.

Please reach out to us for the full Position Description to review the Key Responsibilities and Measures of success.

What we are looking for someone who has:

• Tertiary qualifications in Law (LLB or JD) from a recognised institution.
• Admission as a Legal Practitioner in an Australian state or territory.
• Current unrestricted practising certificate issued by the relevant Legal Services Commission.
• Registration as a Migration Agent (MARN) is desirable but not essential, provided the candidate has extensive experience in migration law.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in Australian migration law, including skilled, family, humanitarian, employer-sponsored, and complex visas.
• Proven ability to manage diverse caseloads, delivering ethical, client-centred outcomes.
• Experience with tribunal advocacy and judicial review (AAT and Federal Courts).
• Understanding of fee-for-service legal models within social enterprises and ability to balance access to justice with financial sustainability.
• Commercial awareness, aligning legal service delivery with organisational growth and impact.
• Experience managing and mentoring legal teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Strong organisational skills to balance supervision, casework, and strategic leadership.
• Knowledge of legal practice management, risk, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to report clearly on financial performance, legal risk, and strategic progress to governance bodies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, building partnerships with clients, organisations, and funders.
• Commitment to social justice, cultural competency, and supporting refugee and migrant communities.
• Proficient in legal practice management systems, case management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Adaptable to emerging technologies and digital solutions to enhance service delivery and practice efficiency.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

• 7+ years post-admission experience in migration law, managing complex and high-risk matters.
• Experienced leader of legal teams, ideally within not-for-profits, social enterprises, or community legal centres.
• Proven track record in business development, building referral networks, and growing fee-for-service or new legal services.
• Skilled in working with governance boards and preparing strategic, compliance, and financial reports.
• Committed to supporting CALD communities, with experience in advocacy, policy, or legal education initiatives.

About SSI

SSI is a national not-for-profit organization providing dedicated human and social services to a diverse Australia. With community at the heart of everything we do, our purpose is to create a world in which everyone has access to equal opportunities.

SSI supports individuals, children, families and communities via a range of vital human services from settlement support of newcomers and refugees through to programs in employment and education and health wellbeing and social supports for all Australians, new and old.

Find out more about SSI here.

Why Join Us?

You'll be part of a respected organisation that's committed to inclusive employment, professional growth, and community impact.

• Industry leading flexible working arrangement supported to work from home and office, including 9-day fortnight for full time employees.
• Access to in-house training and learning opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Access to our inhouse wellbeing programs

About our Recruitment Process

SSI Group is strongly committed to actively safeguarding children and young people and providing a safe environment for them to thrive. We ensure children and young people's safety, and wellbeing is embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of everyone at SSI, whether they interact directly or indirectly with children and young people. All employees will undergo a National Police Clearance and a Working with Children Check as a condition of employment.

To Apply

We look forward to receiving your resume and cover letter, explaining your interest and suitability for this role via email. Applications without cover letters will not be considered

Applications close Wednesday 3rd September 2025.

SSI is a Disability Confident Recruiter, and our Talent Acquisition team can assist in; providing alternative formats to apply, making adjustments to the recruitment process (including the application form) and offering information about workplace adjustments and support networks.

Should you require adjustments please email me at or call me on