Join a close-knit, supportive and driven team at the Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre! In this role, you’ll have the rare and unique opportunity to practice law and be supported to follow your interests – court experience, advocacy, and building connections with the local community.

Why are we different?

Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre is at the heart of the community. You will have the opportunity to develop quickly, in areas that you are interested in – and you’ll be strongly supported in doing so. This includes experience in advocacy and litigation early in building interpersonal relationships with clients.

And to support the great work we do, work-life balance is of paramount importance – and is at our core.

About Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre

Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre provides legal advice, representation, and advocacy to people experiencing disadvantage living across the Wheatbelt. We are dedicated to empowering people in our community and delivering quality and accessible legal services to the Wheatbelt community.

The Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre is located in picturesque town of Northam

Imagine waking up to rolling countryside views, enjoying a strong sense of community, on the doorstep of Perth. Northam offers the best of both worlds – a relaxed, country-town atmosphere with modern amenities and a supportive legal network.

Northam is the largest inland town in Western Australia, situated in the picturesque Avon Valley. Home to approximately 7,000 people, Northam offers a blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and a vibrant community spirit. The town is rich in cultural heritage, with various recreational facilities, scenic parks, and heritage sites.

Northam has a relaxed, country-town atmosphere with all the conveniences of a larger town. It has a strong sense of community, active local events, and numerous sports and recreation facilities. The town provides a balanced lifestyle with rural and urban benefits, making it an attractive place for professionals and families.

About the Role

As a Lawyer you will:

• Undertake the provision of professional, high quality legal advice and representation to clients in areas of family law, family violence matters, minor criminal, civil and criminal injuries compensation matters
• Undertake travel to various communities within the Wheatbelt to carry out legal assistance and education (may include overnight stays on occasion);
• Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education opportunities and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and provide guidance and leadership to Wheatbelt community/stakeholders

Key Opportunities:

• In accordance with Wheatbelt CLC’s strategic and operational plans, provide advice, referrals, casework assistance, legal representation, law reform and community legal education, throughout the Wheatbelt region.
• To appear as solicitor and counsel in all courts.
• To work with the Principal Lawyer to ensure that all legal work undertaken by Wheatbelt CLC complies with the requirements of the Legal Profession Act 2008, Legal Profession Conduct Rules WA 2010, Professional Indemnity Insurance requirements and Wheatbelt CLC’s policies and practice standards.
• Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional development programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Community.
• Contribute to the collaborative relationship between Legal Aid WA, Community Legal Centres WA and other community organisations with whom Wheatbelt CLC interacts.
• Maintain effective file and diary management systems, administrative systems and procedures and quality assurance procedures as well as maintain statistics and other records required by funding bodies; and
• Maintain and facilitate Wheatbelt CLC’s role within the community and public profile through the preparation of media releases and articles, presentation at meetings, seminars and conferences, and represent Wheatbelt CLC in public forums.

What we’re looking for?

Your unique strengths and experiences are what we value most. We are searching for individuals who can meet most of the following:

• Hold an unrestricted legal practice certificate in Western Australia.
• Demonstrated 2 + years’ experience in the provision of legal service delivery including representation, casework and advice in community-based areas of law, specifically the areas of family law, family violence, criminal law, minor civil and criminal injuries compensation.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with clients and other persons from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in working collaboratively and effectively within a small team environment as well as with other community service providers,
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office (MS Word, Excel, Outlook) to a legal practice and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of Wheatbelt CLC’s client database; and
• Current driver’s licence.

Successful applicants will also need a satisfactory National Police Check, Working with Children Check, and working rights in Australia.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary package: $90,000 - $110,000 per annum including superannuation.
• Career Growth: supported court exposure and hands-on legal experience
• Housing support: Housing provided for the first 12 months.
• Relocation Support Relocation payment of up to $5000 available.
• Generous salary sacrifices provisions up to $15,900 per annum which can be used for various personal expenses.
• Explore the region as you serve clients across the Wheatbelt
• Work-life balance with flexible work arrangements

A position description is attached.