Fitzroy Legal Service

The Fitzroy Legal Service is an amalgamation of the Darebin Community Legal Centre and Fitzroy Legal Service, which took effect on 1 February 2019. The amalgamated entity draws on the significant histories and legal assistance services provided by the Darebin Community Legal Centre (established in 1988) and the Fitzroy Legal Service (established in 1972).

We work towards a fairer and more just Victorian community, one in which the legal and broader social system supports equality and justice. Our services are offered across the Cities of Darebin and Yarra, and the inner north of Melbourne.

For further information please visit our website fls.org.au.

The purpose of the Senior Lawyer, Family Law & Family Violence is to provide high quality, integrated legal assistance to people who have family law issues and/or who are experiencing family violence, particularly where there is additional systemic disadvantage and other barriers to access to justice.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advice, Representation, Casework and Advocacy

• Conduct family law/family violence casework in parenting and property matters for clients experiencing intersectional disadvantage and/or are victim/survivors of family violence.
• Advocate for victim/survivors of family violence as a duty lawyer at the Specialist Family Violence Court at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court and at the Neighborhood Justice Centre.
• Provide community outreach legal advice at our Health Justice Partnerships, including at the Connie Benn Centre, Mercy Hospital, NEMA Orange Door and North Richmond Community Health Centre, as required.
• Contribute to law reform submissions and systemic advocacy work of the organisation in relation to family law and family violence.

Community Legal Education, Community Development and Community Liaison

• Develop and participate in community legal education programs on family law and family violence; and
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders to facilitate client referrals, conduct secondary consultations, and build cross-organisational capacity.

Supervision and Training

• Supervise, support and mentor the Community Lawyers, Family Law & Family Violence.
• Coordinate FLS’s Divorce Clinic including training, supervising and supporting volunteers assisting with the Divorce Clinic.
• Train, supervise and support FLFV volunteers and interns, as required.

Financial

• Apply for grants of legal assistance and ensure compliance with Victoria Legal Aid guidelines.

General

• Support the achievement of the FLS Vision, Values and Behaviours, adhering to organisational policies and procedures.
• Attend internal staff and planning meetings, supervision and performance review processes.
• Participate in professional development as required.
• Be involved in fundraising and other events as required.
• Perform other duties as directed and necessary to the proper performance of the role.

Refer to attached Position Description for more information and Key Selection Criteria.