• Are you passionate about working within the Community Legal Sector and taking on a challenging role in a dynamic multidisciplinary organisation?
• Part Time position (0.8 FTE) / 12 month fixed-term contract with possible extension subject to ongoing funding

Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre (BMCLC) is a program of Comm Unity Plus and provides free legal services, advice, referrals and community legal education. BMCLC services one of the fastest growing and most culturally diverse regions in Melbourne and has offices in St. Albans and Melton. BMCLC is experiencing significant growth and has recently expanded to effectively deliver legal support to vulnerable people in the Melton and Brimbank areas.

About the position

The Family Law Lead supervises and provides day to day management of family law solicitor(s) and administration staff in the delivery of family law advice and casework, ensuring the work integrates with the organisation’s goals.

The Family Law Lead supports the Principal lawyer to build the reputation of BMCLC as a lead agency and subject matter expert in the area of family law. This includes the running of strategic litigation against a set of developed guidelines. It also includes identifying and establishing strategic partnerships that will enhance access to justice for the community and best outcomes for clients (including pro bono partnerships with family law firms and Counsel). This role leads one of two teams of solicitors within the practice to deliver high quality legal assistance.

This position will provide subject matter expertise in family law, with specific focus on family violence, family dispute resolution, property and parenting mediation, and complex cases. Will identify opportunities for service and systems improvements in the practice and help to lead change and to support staff to undertake their legal work effectively. Together with the Principal lawyer and the Generalist Lead, the Family Law lead will develop a family law advocacy platform, reform and submissions schedule, and co-ordinate and supervise its implementation amongst other key accountabilities.

Key Selection Criteria and Qualifications

• Current Victorian Practising certificate including High Court Registration or the eligibility to obtain the same and Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior legal role, providing high quality advice and casework in the areas of family law, family violence, mediation, property settlement, parenting disputes, litigation and child protection matters in the Family Division of the Children’s Court.
• Demonstrated experience in providing strong and effective management, leadership, mentoring and supervision to a small cohesive team
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills and a passion for stakeholder engagement
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, in a high-pressure environment, managing competing demands, tight deadlines and respond to a dynamic work environment
• Strong computer literacy with Microsoft software e.g. Word, Outlook, Publisher, Power-Point, Microsoft Team, Access & Excel to create own correspondence and documents, and experience using online meeting platforms such as Zoom
• High level of professionalism, commitment and interest in working with individuals from diverse and disadvantaged communities on social justice issues with a good understanding of the role of the community legal centres in the legal and community sectors

Applicants must hold valid Working with Children Check and Police check or the ability to obtain the same. A current Drivers Licence and the ability to travel between offices and outreaches are essential for this role. Proficiency in a community language will be advantageous.

You will work with a friendly and supportive team committed to delivering a high standard of service in flexible working conditions. This role will be eligible for membership on the VLA Family Law Panel.

An attractive salary commensurate with experience with the added advantage of salary packaging benefits are on offer!

A copy of the Position Description can be found on our website under the Working With Us tab and then by clicking on the 'Employment' section at www.comm-unityplus.org.au.

For further information, please call HR on (03) 7379 0106.