Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) provides high quality legal and social support services to women, specialising in the areas of family law, domestic violence, child safety matters, financial abuse legal protection and sexual assault though our counselling notes protect program.  The Service is committed to the creation of a society in which every woman: 

• Is safe from violence; 
• Is able to tell her story, have it heard and respected; and 
• Receives a fair and just outcome from legal and social welfare systems. 

As a Graduate Solicitor you will complete a 2-year graduate program with WLSQ to train, develop skills and build expertise in the areas of family law, domestic violence and child protection. Graduates will rotate between the Case Work and Advice teams to gain exposure to and learn from experienced solicitors in each of the legal programs at WLSQ. At the conclusion of the graduate program, graduates will be equipped with the necessary skills and experience to undertake direct client services with the potential for permanent placement with WLSQ.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Key Responsibilities:

1. Undertake the delivery of WLSQ legal services as a solicitor in the Graduate Program under the supervision of a Team Leader:

• Observe and provide supervised legal advice and case work client appointments in the areas of family law, domestic violence and child protection.
• Observe and provide supervised representation work in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Magistrates Court and Children's Court as a solicitor advocate or briefing counsel where appropriate.
• Provide services to women through a trauma informed practice framework.
• Undertake the provision of legal services in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the legal professional and the mandatory requirements under the National Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.
• Provide duty lawyer services for domestic violence matters in designated Magistrates Courts.
• Develop and maintain stakeholder engagement with key agencies who work with priority access groups.
• Advise the Team Leader and Practice Director on issues relating to operational and/or legal risk.
• Work collaboratively with WLSQ social workers and other staff to provide legal information and guidance and to consult with other staff to provide appropriate non-legal referrals as required.
• Ensure risk assessment and safety considerations are routinely and comprehensively addressed in legal work undertaken providing support, information and advice to clients experiencing domestic violence.
• Liaise with external agencies and make client referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and law reform activities of WLSQ as required.
• Foster a collaborative team culture for staff and volunteers which is professional, productive and supportive and consistent with the WLSQ Values and feminist principles.
• Any other tasks as requested by the Team Leader and/or Practice Director

2. Provide legal assistance to solicitors undertaking client work including:

• Word processing, preparing and editing documents such as correspondence to the Court, other legal representatives in the legal proceeding and the client, in addition to drafting and finalising file notes.
• Assistance with court appearances, including attending court to observe and provide legal support, and appearing and instructing counsel where appropriate.
• Assisting with managing client relationships and handling client enquiries.

SELECTION CRITERIA / SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

Employee Wellbeing:

The work performed by WLSQ involves providing legal and social support services to women and their children impacted by Domestic and Family Violence and / or Sexual Violence. All staff employed by WLSQ will be privy to or will take part in conversations with people who have experienced traumatic situations and it is likely some of our clients may still be experiencing the effects of trauma. In addition to the regular and comprehensive training and support provided by WLSQ, you will have to be mindful of your personal wellbeing and employ strategies to minimise impacts (if any) on your wellbeing.

Work, Health & Safety Responsibilities

All staff are required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other personnel who may be affected by their conduct. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Participating in the development of a safe and healthy workplace.
• Complying with instructions given for your own health and safety and that of others, in adhering to safe work procedures.
• Cooperating with the leadership team in its fulfilment of its legislative obligations.
• Taking reasonable care to ensure your own health and safety and that of others, and to abide by your duty of care provided for in the legislation.
• Reporting any injury, hazard or illness immediately, where practical to your supervisor.
• Not place others at risk by any act or omission.
• Not willfully or recklessly interfere with safety equipment.

In addition, each staff member is expected to:

• Gain the respect and active cooperation of the team and other staff.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively towards the WLSQ strategy.
• Adhere to the vision and values of WLSQ.

WLSQ CULTURE:

WLSQ is a community organisation operating within a feminist framework in a manner consistent with the mission, purpose and values of WLSQ. Organisational values are informed by feminist principles – respectful, inclusive, collaborative, open and accountable and working in an environment where women and children’s safety is prioritised.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximize your take-home pay.
• Remuneration package: from $85,126 to $91,588 plus statutory super and Attractive salary sacrifice options.
• Career Development: Access to career and professional development opportunities, including conferences, events, and a dedicated training and supervision budget.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling services available for you and your family.
• Additional Leave Entitlements: Enjoy additional paid parental leave and extra leave during the Christmas and New Year period.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: We’re open to discussing how we can tailor this role to fit your needs.
• Inclusive Work Culture: Be part of a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
• Ongoing Training: Participate in continuous training programs throughout the year to enhance your skills.
• On-Site Amenities: Enjoy complimentary snacks and fresh fruit available in the workplace
• MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
• Successful applicants will be required to complete a National Police Check.
• Candidates for the graduate program will have completed their LLB or equivalent degree and either be admitted as a legal practitioner in Queensland or eligible for admission (with admission to be completed in the first 3 months of the Graduate Program). Graduate lawyers will also apply to be admitted to the High Court Register upon commencement of the Graduate program (or upon admission).

APPLY NOW!

To apply for this position, click on 'Apply Now' and upload a copy of your Cover Letter and CV.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.