The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex Legal Service Inc. is a non-profit community-based legal service which began service on 7 July 2010.

The Service recognises the difficulties faced by the LGBTIQA+ community and seeks to assist the Queensland LGBTIQA+ community to gain access to justice through the provision of legal and social welfare services. We provide legal advice and information to clients who have legal problems which arise from their identification as LGBTIQA+ and/or because they feel more comfortable in dealing with a solicitor with specific skills, interest and understanding of LGBTIQA+ legal issues and/or the barriers experienced by LGBTIQA+ peoples in accessing the legal system.

Our Key Areas are:

• Family Law
• Discrimination law
• Criminal Law & Victims’ Support

We also assist with:

• Separations & Relationship Breakdowns
• Property Settlements
• Domestic Violence
• Surrogacies & Parenting Rights
• Employment Law, Unfair Dismissal, Workplace Bullying & Harassment
• Gender Identification & Sex Changes
• Civil Law, Administrative Law, Government Decisions & Centrelink Matters

We also provide community legal education activities and resources in order to increase awareness of legal rights and responsibilities for the LGBTI community in Queensland. The Service includes a law reform division, which is actively involved in advocating for law reform and human rights.

The LGBTI Legal Service Inc. has been established by, and continues to be overseen by a voluntary management committee of individuals representing the diverse communities under the LGBTIQA+ banner. As a non-profit community organisation, we rely heavily on the support of the community and volunteers.

The LGBTI Legal Service is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Description

The Principal Solicitor reports to the Management Committee, and will:

• As the holder of a Principal Practising Certificate perform this role in accordance with the Risk Management Guide for Community Legal Centres
• Provide inspirational leadership to the Service, including fostering and driving a vision for access to justice for LGBTIQA+ people in Queensland.
• Be responsible for the provision of high quality, timely and holistic legal advice and casework services to LGBTIQA+ people.
• Identify legal issues relevant to LGBTIQA+ people and develop strategic law reform and community legal education projects in response.
• Creatively find resources to meet the needs of the client base, including pro bono partnerships, funding and volunteer support.
• Work collaboratively with legal and health service providers, community groups and associations to further access to justice for LGBTIQA+ people.
• Establish procedures and manage human resources for the organisation, including supervising staff and volunteers.
• Meet funding, organisational and financial requirements.
• Other duties as directed by the Management Committee.
• Coordinate the efforts of enthusiastic and skilled volunteer base.

The position requires a highly organised and self-motivated person who is able to provide leadership and work independently in establishing the newly funded aspects of the Service in an era of change.

Selection Criteria - Essential

• Hold or eligible to hold a Principal Certificate or Unrestricted Practising Certificate in Queensland, with the capacity to complete the Practice Management Course.
• An excellent awareness of the legal issues facing the LGBTIQA+ community and a commitment to equal access to justice.
• Demonstrated ability to provide high quality, timely, holistic and appropriate legal information, advice, casework services and representation in family and/or discrimination/employment law. Where experience is held in either family or discrimination/employment law, enthusiasm and capacity to develop the alternative area of law is required.
• Experience in organisational leadership including developing policy, innovation, and problem solving.
• Experience in establishing and managing successful projects or organisations including fulfilling financial and funding requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders including volunteers, pro bono partners and funding bodies.
• Demonstrated ability to perform and interact as an efficient team member and use initiative with minimum supervision.
• Experience in using computers and a willingness to perform administrative duties where required.

Selection Criteria - Desirable

Relevant experience in a community legal service and/or the LGBTIA+ community.

Salary and conditions

SACS Level 7+ Negotiable by experience

Permanent full time or part time available by negotiation Generous salary sacrificing available due to Charity status. A minimum probation of 3 months applies.

Flexible work arrangements available.

The Service is willing to consider a job share arrangement should applicants only be interested in either the employment or family law aspects of this role.

People from diverse backgrounds, including people identifying with the LGBTIQ+ community, are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

To be considered for this role, please click the "Apply Now" button and follow the instructions.

If you have questions, please call 0405 108 033 or email us at the addresses above.