Human Rights
Career Series
Phil Lynch
Director
Human Rights Law Resource Centre Ltd
hrlrc@vicbar.com.au
www.hrlrc.org.au
(03) 9225 6695
Overview of Career
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1995-99
Melbourne Law School
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2000-01
Allens Arthur Robinson
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2001-06
PILCH Homeless Persons’
Legal Clinic
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2006-
Human Rights Law Resource
Centre
Allens Arthur Robinson
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Position
Articled Clerk and Solicitor, Litigation
Highlights
Pro Bono Committee
EDVOS
PILCH secondment
Tampa
Accommodation of other interests – NMLS and AI
Reflections
Skills and expertise developed in commercial practice are very
valuable and relevant to human rights lawyering
Pro bono is increasingly seen not only as an ethical obligation
but an opportunity for significant professional development –
make your interest and commitment known
Homeless Persons’ Legal Clinic
Position
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Coordinator and Principal Solicitor
Highlights
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Working with outstanding and committed pro bono
practitioners
John Mills’ case
Policy and law reform work – Special circumstances list,
Electoral Act, Victorian Charter, discrimination guidelines
Reflections
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Identify opportunities to carve out a niche
Utility of human rights approach to systemic disadvantage
Importance of ‘human rights lawyering’
Human Rights Law Resource Centre
Position
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Executive Director
Highlights
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Jack Thomas case – Court of Appeal
Prisoner voting case – High Court
Melbourne 13 case – UN WGAD
Charter implementation
Reflections
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Victorian Charter s 32(1) – we are all human
rights lawyers now
Further Information
Human Rights Law Resource Centre Ltd
Level 1, 550 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9225 6695
hrlrc@vicbar.com.au
www.hrlrc.org.au