Emma House is currently seeking a Principal Solicitor for our Legal Program.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to help design and expand Emma House's Legal program. We are looking for law professionals who are committed to social justice and self determination for our clients.

We are currently seeking a 0.8 Principal Solicitor ongoing contract, and a 0.6 Solicitor 12 month contract. Emma House offers generous salary packaging, professional development and flexible working arrangements and is open to negotiation on the time fraction of the positions.

Position Summary 

The Principal Solicitor will provide high quality, effective and efficient professional legal advice and casework services to women experiencing domestic/family violence.

Reporting directly to the Executive Officer this position will also ensure that all legal services provided operate within the organisational guidelines and in accordance with professional legal practice, including government and professional indemnity insurance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as an advocate by providing expert legal advice, conducting high level casework and appearing as a lawyer in complex family violence legal matters.
• To manage the legal practice of Emma House, ensuring compliance with legislative, funding and organisational requirements and policies, and including: a. Providing case supervision and mentoring to lawyers; b. Ensuring that all legal professional and ethical obligations are met.
• Lead the development, implementation and ongoing monitoring of an integrated practice model for legal services and crisis support services within Emma House so as to deliver effective early intervention and a trauma-informed approach to the delivery of legal assistance and advice.
• Managing and participate in the provision of an accessible, high quality and specialised duty lawyer service at each Intervention Order sitting day at the Warrnambool, Portland and Hamilton Magistrates Courts.
• Deliver legal education programs to professionals and members of the community that encourage greater awareness of legal rights and responsibilities as well as access to the legal system.
• To develop and maintain optimum relationships with key stakeholders, in particular the Warrnambool Legal Aid office, the Magistrates Courts and private solicitors.
• Contributing to service developments and participating in service re-design as required. In conjunction with Emma House staff, identifying service gaps, and area’s for service improvement and development and promoting the Emma House service across the region.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Executive Officer.

Please click on the position description link below for further details on this position.

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