• Multiple roles are available, either full or part-time!
• Fixed Term Contract until 30 June 2025.
• Consumer Credit Legal Service (WA) Inc.

Working for your financial and consumer rights

Who is CCLS?

CCLS champions the financial rights of West Australians on credit, debt and consumer law issues. 

• We ensure people in Western Australia are treated fairly in the financial marketplace by providing free, confidential legal advice through our Telephone Advice Line.
• We provide legal representation to people experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage so that they can access justice. 
• Our community legal education programs empower West Australians experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage to understand their rights and avoid financial pitfalls. 
• We help other service providers, including financial counsellors and community support workers, to understand and support their clients’ financial rights.
• We are a voice for change so that financial systems and consumer laws are improved for all.

Why work for CCLS?

• We have a very passionate and dedicated team of staff.
• Flexible full or part-time hours are available depending on your skills and interests.
• We offer highly flexible work practices, including the opportunity to work from home.
• You will have access to professional development opportunities.
• A competitive salary can be negotiated, and we offer salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 per annum. 
• Additional paid leave over the Christmas/New Year period of up to two weeks.

Purpose of the role

• Assist clients in resolving disputes and problems by providing legal advice and advocating on their behalf through internal and external dispute resolution schemes. 
• To educate and empower the WA community by developing and implementing community legal education initiatives that are centred on our priority client groups, stakeholders and law areas.
• Contribute to creating change in the law and government policy and the practices and policies of financial institutions by identifying opportunities, participating in campaigns, doing research, and writing papers and submissions.
• To supervise legal volunteers on our Telephone Advice Line.

CCLS is embarking on a new way forward and is inviting dynamic and multiskilled solicitors to join our team.

Please apply if you can demonstrate the following

• You would like to showcase your expertise in a combination of legal advice and casework services, legal research, law reform and community legal education,
• You have a passion for community empowerment and justice,
• You see yourself as being collaborative and client-centric,
• You have an excellent can-do attitude,
• You are a strong communicator across a variety of channels,
• You are seeking flexible working arrangements with a skilled, knowledgeable, and highly credible team.

This position is flexible, and hours can be negotiated. CCLS is open to applicants who can work full-time or part-time. You will be based in our Perth office and receive a salary dependent on experience, super, salary packaging, and additional paid Christmas shutdown leave.  

The main duties of this role will include but are not limited to:

Advice & Case Work

• Provide advice to clients contacting the Telephone Advice Line.
• Provide supervision and direction to volunteers.
• Review and monitor open files monthly and close as appropriate. 
• Prepare individual cases for alternative dispute resolution or litigation and, where necessary, conduct cases before the respective courts/tribunals.
• Thoroughly research complex issues using legislation, case law, rulings and commentary.
•  Prepare high-quality legal drafting work that requires minimal changes and advice that addresses client needs.
•  Review and evaluate cases and their outcome in consultation with the Principal Solicitor and other solicitors in CCLS. 

Community Education & Networking 

• Assist with community education by preparing information and presenting educational sessions as required.
• Identify issues of concern to WA consumers and/or groups of consumers. Participate in relevant committees, issue-based groups, conferences and workshops as required. 

Policy & Law Reform

• Provide legal analysis, opinion and comment on aspects of banking and finance-related legislation and policy development. 
• Consult with government departments, the banking and finance industry and consumer organisations as appropriate.
• Prepare submissions and position papers for government committees, industry and consumer groups. 
• Keep current with legislative changes and other industry developments.  

What you will need to be successful

• Holds, or is eligible to hold, a current unrestricted practice certificate in WA
• Sound knowledge of credit, debt and consumer law, related issues, regulatory policy and alternative dispute resolution processes
• A high degree of legal drafting skills
• An understanding of and willingness to work in a community legal centre setting
• Supervising and mentoring experience
• Confident using Office, Sharepoint and client management systems
• Proven ability to manage multiple competing duties whilst maintaining effective working relationships
• A commitment to social justice and experience working with people or groups who are marginalised
• Ability to provide a clean National police clearance certificate

If you would like to discuss how the role/s may work for you in further detail, please contact Roberta Grealish, Principal Solicitor, on 08 6336 7020.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible. CCLSWA reserves the right to reduce the application period and/or remove the job advertisement early should a suitable applicant be found.

We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds and encourage applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals who may identify as LGBTIQ, with disability, a culturally and linguistically diverse background and people of all ages.