1. Introduction and Background

The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) is one of Australia’s largest and most established Islamic community organisations, supporting the social, educational, spiritual, and welfare needs of the Muslim community.

LMA is seeking to establish a panel of qualified legal service providers to deliver timely, cost-effective, and expert legal support across a broad range of legal areas.

The LMA operates as a parent organisation to several entities, including:

• Feed The World Charity
• Azhar College
• AMAN Aged Care
• Australian Mosque Alliance

These entities operate across multiple sectors, including education, aged care, community services, and religious leadership. Legal service providers will need to demonstrate understanding of not-for-profit and faith-based organisational structures and relevant legal frameworks.

2. Objectives of the Legal Panel

The objectives of this panel are to:

• Improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of legal services across LMA and its entities
• Secure access to specialist legal advice tailored to the needs of a not-for-profit, culturally diverse organisation
• Establish transparent and efficient procurement and engagement processes for legal support
• Foster relationships with firms who demonstrate cultural competency and sensitivity to the values of the Muslim community

3. Scope of Legal Services

Legal services will be required across the LMA and its associated entities. Scope includes, but is not limited to:

• Governance and Group Structuring
  
  1. Multi-entity legal structures and governance frameworks
  2. Constitutions and inter-entity agreements
  3. · Board duties and regulatory compliance (ACNC, ATO)
• Property and Real Estate
  
  1. Leasing, acquisitions, developments, land use, zoning
  2. Facility agreements for schools, mosques, aged care
• Property and Real Estate
  
  1. Leasing, acquisitions, developments, land use, zoning
  2. Facility agreements for schools, mosques, aged care
• Employment and Workplace Relations
  
  1. Employment law, awards, HR disputes
  2. Contracts and workplace policy development
  3. Representation before Fair Work and other tribunals
• Discrimination and Human Rights Law
  
  1. Discrimination (including religious/cultural discrimination)
  2. Advocacy in cases involving Islamic faith or CALD communities
• Charity, Fundraising, and Tax
  
  1. PBI status, DGR registration
  2. · Fundraising regulations across jurisdictions
  3. · ATO compliance and charitable tax laW
• Education Law (Azhar College)
  
  1. Regulatory advice (e.g., NESA)
  2. · Student rights, teacher contracts, child protection
• Aged Care Law (Aman Aged Care)
  
  1. Aged Care Act and compliance obligations
  2. Elder rights, privacy, health directives

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4. Panel Structure and Engagement

• The panel will operate for an initial term of three (3) years, with the possibility of extension.
• LMA may engage panel firms on a matter-by-matter basis depending on expertise, urgency, and cost.
• Each of LMA’s associated entities may also independently engage legal panel members.
• Appointment to the panel does not guarantee work allocation.

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5. Selection Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Criterion: Relevant experience in the not-for-profit and faith-based sector - Weighting: 20%
• Criterion:Capability in nominated legal practice areas - Weighting : 20%
• Criterion:Cultural competency and sensitivity to Islamic/CALD issues - Weighting : 15%
• Criterion: Qualifications and experience of key personnel - Weighting: 15%
• Criterion: Value for money and flexible fee structures - Weighting: 15%
• Criterion: Client references and past performance - Weighting: 10%
• Criterion: Ability to service multiple entities within a group structure - Weighting: 5%

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6. Submission Requirements

Tenderers must provide the following:

• Cover Letter – Brief overview of your firm and interest in this engagement
• Company Profile and Experience – Emphasis on not-for-profit or culturally sensitive work
• Key Personnel – CVs or summaries of relevant staff
• Statement of Legal Capability – By area of law
• Fee Schedule – Including hourly rates, retainer options, and pro bono arrangements
• Cultural Competency Statement – Detailing relevant experience and approach
• References – Minimum of three relevant clients
• Certificates of Insurance – PI and public liability cover