The Aboriginal Family Legal Services (WA) aims to provide free, culturally secure legal support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims and survivors of family violence and/or sexual assault.

MANAGING SOLICITOR – Yamatji Country / Geraldton

We are seeking a Managing Solicitor to work at our office on Yamatji country (Geraldton). The successful applicant will work closely with the Principal Legal Officer and help shape the direction of the Aboriginal Family Law Services in the respective region and work with a degree of independence.

The Managing Solicitor is responsible for the delivery of legal services, including family law, care and protection matters, family violence restraining orders and criminal injuries compensation. The successful applicant will provide legal advice, court representation and community legal education to Aboriginal people who have suffered, or are experiencing, family violence within their community.

In addition, the successful applicant will have managing responsibilities for the 4/5 staff in the regional office and will be required to oversee internal administration practices. This includes overseeing internal administration systems including CLASS, file management, filing and IT systems as well as other administrative and managerial duties including annual appraisals for staff reporting to this role, and approval of leave requests and timesheets.

To be considered for this position you need to meet the following criteria:

ESSENTIAL

• Admitted, or eligible for admittance, to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia
• Minimum of 4 years’ post admission legal practice experience
• Excellent communication skills including oral and written
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal people
• Able to travel to remote areas to deliver services to clients and the community

DESIRABLE

• Experience in family law, care and protection matters, criminal injuries compensation and family violence restraining orders
• Advocacy Experience
• Managerial experience
• Legal Practice Management Certificate

ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Current ‘C’ Class WA Driver’s License
• Current Police Clearance Certificate
• Current Working with Children Check
• Fully vaccinated against COVID 19 (including booster)

ADDITIONAL EXTRAS

• Access to support services such as 24/7 EAP and an in-house counsellor
• Salary Sacrifice of $15,899 per yer
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Flight Allowances

AFLS reserves the right to fill this position prior to the closing date.

Please note that only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted.

AFLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.