Senior Solicitor RRR Opportunity

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 protection, financial abuse legal protection and sexual assault through our counselling notes protect program. 

WLSQ 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. 

WLSQ is expanding our reach into regional, rural and remote regions of Queensland in recognition of the unique vulnerabilities women in these communities experience, the scarcity of services and the distance women must travel to access legal and domestic and family violence services.

The Senior Solicitor role is part of the multidisciplinary Regional, Rural and Remote (RRR) Team providing legal and social support services to women in identified target communities.

The RRR Outreach Team is a pilot project and includes a senior solicitor, social worker, financial counsellor and community legal education officer who work collaboratively to provide integrated and holistic services that address a range of legal, financial, welfare and safety needs for women impacted by domestic and family violence in RRR areas.

The RRR team will travel on a rotating basis to high-need RRR regions across Queensland to deliver legal and social support advice clinics.

The RRR team will also deliver community legal education workshops for community service providers to increase their knowledge and understanding of domestic and family violence and the support available to women. The team will be responsible for providing face to face and telephone appointments in relation to legal and financial assistance, safety planning, practical welfare advice and case work management where appropriate.

When the RRR team is not travelling, the Senior Solicitor will be part of the WLSQ legal advice teams and will provide legal advice to women in the areas of domestic and family violence, family law and child protection..

About This Role

Key Responsibilities:

Undertaking the delivery of WLSQ legal services for women across Queensland and targeting RRR priority communities under the supervision of the Legal Practice Director including:

• Providing legal advice in the areas of family law, domestic violence and child safety matters to clients by phone and face to face at outreach clinics in RRR priority communities.
• Providing services to women through a trauma informed practice framework.
• Providing legal services in accordance with WLSQ policy and practice according to the National Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.
• Providing duty lawyer services for domestic violence matters in designated Magistrates Courts as required.

To work collaboratively with RRR staff to provide support to vulnerable women experiencing domestic violence in RRR communities including.

• Providing holistic services to clients in the RRR priority areas taking into account the legal and social needs of the client including supporting clients to obtain safety from domestic violence.
• Developing and maintaining stakeholder engagement with key agencies who work with priority access groups and make referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service.
• Working collaboratively with WLSQ social workers, financial counsellors and other non-legal staff.
• Ensuring risk assessment and safety considerations are routinely and comprehensively addressed in legal work undertaken providing support, information and advice to clients experiencing domestic violence.
• Travel to RRR outreach locations will be required at a minimum of one week every month to provide legal advice and assistance at outreach clinics; Travel between our offices at Annerley, Caboolture, Southport, Ipswich, Brisbane CBD may also be required.
• Work outside of office hours, including weekends may be required from time to time.
• Fostering a collaborative team culture for staff and volunteers which is professional, productive, supportive and consistent with the WLSQ values and feminist principles.
• Any other tasks as requested by the Practice Director.

Development and delivery of community legal education to employees, volunteers and external stakeholders including in RRR priority communities:

• Be eligible to act as a Nominated Person according to the National Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.
• Contributing to law reform activities of WLSQ as required. 

Support the Practice Director to ensure the following day to day functions of the team and in accordance with WLSQ policy:

• Coordinating workflow and workloads to ensure the smooth running of the team, appropriate utilisation of people and monitoring performance against targets.
• Overseeing the provision of quality legal and non-legal work, including conducting file reviews and quality audits, facilitating case management meetings and investigating client complaints.
• Participating in the recruitment, selection, induction and training of solicitors and legal support staff in consultation with the Practice Director.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor’s Practising Certificate and a minimum of 3 years’ post admission experience in family law and domestic violence, is a requirement.
• Experience in child safety matters and child support is desirable.
• High level of computer literacy including Microsoft Office.
• High level of knowledge of referrals both legal and non-legal that are appropriate for women who experience domestic violence and require assistance with family law matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work sensitively with clients from diverse backgrounds including vulnerable clients:
  
  • Who may have experienced domestic violence and/or trauma;
  • With a disability;
  • From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and/or
  • From Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
• Well-developed relationship management and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to engage with a range of audiences and stakeholders internal and, external to WLSQ with the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of legal and social issues affecting women, particularly the gendered nature of domestic violence.
• Ability to develop and provide community legal education activities where relevant to community agencies and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure, to set work priorities and to meet competing and tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the WLSQ and an ability to work within a feminist framework.
• Being a woman is a genuine occupational requirement for this position (section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld))

WORK, HEALTH AND 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 wilfully 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.

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.

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 – care, respect, inclusiveness, collaboration, accountability and working in an environment where women and children’s safety is prioritised.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

• This role requires the incumbent to have a clear National Police Check.
• Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor’s Practicing Certificate.
• This role also requires the incumbent to hold a current Open Queensland Driver’s Licence.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise your take-home pay.
  Remuneration package: Includes 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 counselling 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

APPLY NOW!

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

To apply for this position, click on 'apply now' and upload a copy of your cover letter and CV.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.