Legal Officer

Job title Legal Officer

Service Legal Services

Reporting to Legal Services Manager

Salary HKD 25,200 per month

Work pattern Full time, Monday–Friday, 9:30am–6:00pm. Part-time arrangements may be considered.

Duration One year (with option to renew; performance and funding dependent)

We are seeking a Legal Officer to join our team supporting refugees and people seeking protection in Hong Kong.

This is an exciting role offering frontline legal casework as well as opportunities for partnership-building and development. It is particularly suited to someone who wants to develop strong practical legal skills in refugee law, while gaining broader experience in how a community based organisation builds partnerships, mobilises resources and creates systemic impact.

Working under the supervision of the Legal Services Manager, you will assist clients in navigating Hong Kong's Unified Screening Mechanism. You will conduct client interviews, investigate complex factual and legal issues, work with experts and pro bono lawyers, and contribute to the preparation of high-quality legal submissions.

The role offers substantial exposure to refugee law, strategic litigation, pro bono partnerships, and complex stakeholder management.

Legal casework

You will manage a caseload of matters, with appropriate supervision, and provide high-quality legal information and support to refugees and people seeking protection. Your work may include:

· Conducting client interviews and preparing detailed intake and case assessments;

· Supporting clients through the Unified Screening Mechanism and related legal aid and judicial review applications;

· Conducting legal research and detailed country-of-origin and factual research;

· Working with country experts, doctors, psychologists and other specialists to obtain evidence relevant to clients' claims;

· Drafting and contributing to witness statements, legal submissions, judicial review grounds and other legal documents;

· Identifying suitable work for pro bono lawyers, students, fellows and volunteers, and supervising and reviewing their written work;

· Providing constructive feedback and helping pro bono partners and junior team members develop their skills;

· Developing and delivering training and presentations for pro bono law firms, partner NGOs and other stakeholders; and

· Maintaining accurate and professional case records and coordinating the practical aspects of client representation, including appointments and interpreters.

Working across the organisation

As part of a small and collaborative team, you will:

· Build constructive relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders, including government bodies, the legal profession, UNHCR, NGOs and community organisations;

· Contribute to organisational events, training programmes and other initiatives;

· Participate actively in team meetings and organisational planning; and

· Uphold the organisation's policies and its commitment to treating clients, colleagues and partners with dignity, respect and fairness.

We are looking for someone who combines strong analytical and writing skills with sound judgement, initiative and a genuine interest in refugee protection and human rights.

· A university degree, preferably in law or a related discipline;

· Excellent written and spoken English;

· Strong research, analytical and writing skills;

· Ability to communicate sensitively and professionally with people from diverse backgrounds;

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities;

· Careful attention to detail;

· Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team;

· Sound professional judgement and a willingness to take responsibility for your work; and

· Commitment to the organisation's mission and to high-quality, client-centred legal services.

· Right to work in Hong Kong

We particularly welcome candidates with one or more of the following:

· Experience in refugee, immigration, or human rights law;

· Experience interviewing or working directly with clients;

· Experience in legal research and drafting;

· Experience working with law firms or pro bono lawyers;

· Experience in fundraising, partnerships, communications or stakeholder engagement;

· Knowledge of Hong Kong's Unified Screening Mechanism or judicial review process; and/or;

· Fluency in Cantonese or a language commonly spoken by refugee and migrant communities in Hong Kong.