Primary Purpose of Position

The purpose of this position is to represent clients in a variety of matters either funded privately; with a grant of Legal Aid; or as directed by the Principal Solicitor. You will typically be representing clients with Child Protection matters in the Children’s Court across the State of Queensland. You may be expected to represent clients in related domestic and family violence matters.

The Solicitor will be responsible for the overall running of the individual client files with the support of the Practice Manager. The Solicitor will work closely with all members of Kilroy & Callaghan Lawyers (KCL), particularly the Practice Manager and will report (primarily) to the Senior Solicitor and/or Principal Solicitor.

In all their duties, the Solicitor is expected to work in accordance with the policies and procedures of KCL; Queensland Legal Aid Standards; Legal Profession Act and Regulations; Solicitor Conduct Rules.

Organisational Environment

Kilroy & Callaghan Lawyers is an independent private law firm that practices predominantly in Criminal Law. Other areas of law that KCL practice include: Child Protection Law; Mental Health Review Tribunal Hearings; Domestic Violence Law; Coronial Inquests; Mediation/ADR.

KCL operates very closely with Sisters Inside and their mission is: Sisters Inside is an independent, community organisation, which exists to advocate for the human rights of women and girls in the criminal justice system, and to address gaps in the services available to them. We work alongside criminalised women and girls in determining the best way to fulfil these roles.

KCL is supportive of these values and will be required at times to assist Sisters Inside with legal advice to support their clients in furtherance of their mission.

KCL will operate to ensure that all clients receive competent legal representation, are kept informed of the progress of their matter, receive relevant and timely legal advice at all stages of their matters and strive to ensure that the highest standards of representation are adhered to at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients in child protection matters, including preparing matters, participation in family group meetings and court ordered conferences, instructing Counsel and personally appearing as an advocate in the Children’s Court, Children’s Court of Queensland and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal. You may also represent clients in domestic and family violence matters and be required to appear in the Magistrates Court.
• Attend upon clients in custody at various Prisons in Southeast Queensland.
• Provide legal advice, assistance and advocacy to vulnerable parents involved or at risk of becoming involved in the child protection system (Early intervention advice to potential clients, or persons supported by Sisters Inside)
• Refer clients to other services, as appropriate, to assist to meet their needs.
• Help to prepare submissions to support KCL or Sisters Insides contributions to policy, procedure, law reform and legal service delivery initiatives.
• Contribute to team planning and suggest improvements to work practices.
• Ensure all work complies with Legal Aid Queensland’s quality and case management standards and meet all other professional responsibilities.
• Model the values of KCL and Sister Inside and always operate with respect and accountability.
• Maintain a high standard of practice through governance and risk management.
• If appropriate you may act as direct representative for young people.

Please Note: Further responsibilities and opportunities may be available for the right candidate such as separate representative as well as family law matters. This can be discussed at interview with the principal Solicitor.

Reporting Relationships:

To the Practice Manager

• The position will work closely with the Practice Manager in relation to the administrative functions of KCL.

To the Senior Solicitor

• The position reports directly to the Senior Solicitor for matters relating to client matters; all matters that involve the day to day running of the office; relate to other KCL matters, excluding leave and financial matters.

To the Principal Solicitor

• The position reports directly to the Principal Solicitor for matters that involve any staff members or relate to KCL matters such as leave and financial matters.

Essential Requirements

1. Admission as a legal practitioner in the State of Queensland.
2. Computer literacy including Microsoft programs, web-based emails, digital data/file storage programs, electronic adjournments, and Court portals.
3. Excellent communication skills including high level oral and written advice.
4. Current C class driver’s license.

Preferred Requirements:

1. Minimum experience of two (2) years PAE in conducting Child Protection matters.
2. Experience in working within the prison setting and approved clearance for Southeast Queensland prisons.
3. Experience in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and an understanding of overrepresentation in the Court system.
4. Access to own vehicle.

Additional Information

Duration of position:

• This is a permanent position requiring 38 hours a week.

Hours of Work:

• You will generally be expected to start at 8:30 am and finish at 5:00pm with a 1-hour lunch break. The precise start and finish time will be at the discretion of the Principal Solicitor or as dictated by Court or other commitments, such as travel. You may be required to work reasonable additional hours from time to time to achieve the efficient and effective performance of your duties. Additional payment for these hours will be at the discretion of the Principal Solicitor.

Remuneration:

• The remuneration package offered to the successful candidate will based on their experience in this field.

Probation period:

• 6 months

Place of employment:

• The successful candidate will be expected to work out of the KCL office at Level 1, 326 Montague Road West End, Queensland.

How to apply:

Please click 'Apply Now' to submit your application. Please include your current CV and address the essential & preferred requirements and demonstrate your experience and understanding with the key responsibilities of the position.

A position description is attached.