the opportunity

The Paralegal will provide support to QAI’s Advocacy Practices and administration team, under the supervision of the Principal Solicitors. The Paralegal will provide a high standard of information, referral and assessment to clients and organisations contacting QAI and is responsible for undertaking a wide range of client and administrative support duties, in line with the changing strategic and operational requirements of the organisation to deliver quality services to our community.

Key Responsibilities

• Accept referrals from relevant stakeholders and take bookings for client advice appointments and/or for representation matters.
• Manage the QAI’s solicitors’ and advocates’ calendars, including booking client advice appointments and representation matters.
• Open client files, including performing intake and taking initial client instructions, entry into the client management database, preparation of hard copy and electronic files and opening file correspondence.
• Provide support to QAI’s solicitors’ and advocates for various matters including assisting with follow up with relevant stakeholders, tribunals, courts and clients as required.
• Assists QAI’s pro bono volunteer solicitor matters as directed, including preparing briefs and liaising with clients and relevant stakeholders.
• Close client files, including liaising with the client post advice or representation and preparation of closing file letter and completing close file procedures to finalise client matters.
• Provision of information and referral in relation to enquiries for assistance.
• Answering telephones and emails and assisting with client intake across QAI’s Advocacy Practices.
• Perform relevant aspects of legal and practical research as required.
• Preparation of submissions, court documents and legal correspondence under the supervision of the Principal Solicitors and QAI solicitors and/or advocates.
• At times, providing extended assistance to clients within the scope of QAI’s Advocacy Practices.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Experience as a paralegal, or experience in office administration in a legal environment;
• Strong computer competency and proficient in the use of Microsoft office including, word, excel and outlook;
• Attention to detail and highly developed organisational skills to identify priorities, manage workload, and maintain records within a busy community legal service; and
• Excellent interpersonal & verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate sensitively with clients and other people from diverse backgrounds.

Desirable

• Previous experience at a Community Legal Centre and/or with the Community Legal Assistance Services System (CLASS), would be advantageous;
• Graduate lawyers are encouraged to apply;
• Experience working with people with mental health impairments or disability;
• Good knowledge of the welfare and/or disability sector/s with understanding of what makes people vulnerable;
• Knowledge of, or ability to acquire knowledge of the Mental Health Act 2016 (Qld), Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld), the Disability Services Act 2006 (Qld), the Forensic Disability Act 2011 (Qld), the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 (Qld), the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and related legislation; and
• Current Queensland drivers’ licence and ability to travel.

Why Work for QAI

We are an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion within our workplace and were the first organisation to opt-in to being bound by the Queensland Human Rights Act (2019). We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and people with disability to apply.

We pride ourselves on fostering a friendly and supportive workplace culture as we take the well-being of our staff seriously. We often organise staff activities such as walks by the river or potluck lunches to create opportunities to connect with each other and take a break from our screens.

We also offer salary sacrificing options, a flexible work environment and portable long service leave, which is now standard across the sector.

next steps

Please address any questions to Megan Pearce, COO on 07 3844 4200 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Paralegals / Law Graduates enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To submit your application, click Apply Now.

A position description is attached.