Join this progressive not for profit organisation as a Solicitor and continue to develop your skills in a supportive team environment.

ABOUT MNCLC

Mid North Coast Legal Centre (MNCLC) www.mnclegal.org.au is part of Advocacy Law Alliance Inc. www.advocacylaw.org.au.

MNCLC is a not-for-profit community legal centre which provides civil law services in the local government areas of MidCoast, Port Macquarie – Hastings, Kempsey Shire, Nambucca Shire, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour. We have offices in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.

MNCLC seeks to provide access to justice through a multidisciplinary approach that includes legal information, legal advice, advocacy and representation, policy and law reform and legal outreach across the geographic catchment area.

This role is primarily responsible for the delivery of legal services.

Benefits include:

• 38 hours per week across Monday to Friday;
• Contract position based in our Port Macquarie office;
• Dependent on experience, Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS), Pay Point 5.1;
• Up to 6 weeks annual leave, plus 5 paid wellbeing days;
• Job satisfaction in making a difference to people’s lives;
• Salary packaging options - tax free salary packaging options can increase ‘take home’ pay;
• Access to company car for work travel;
• Ongoing training and development opportunities; and
• Supportive and rewarding team culture.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Key relationships

• Principal Solicitor, Assistant Principal Solicitors, Legal Services Manager

Legal Practice

• Maintain an effective and ethical legal practice (case work and legal advice) in line with the Centre’s strategic plan and the Centre’s Legal Practice Manual.
• Provide legal services at outreach locations within MNCLC’s catchment area.
• Provide high quality generalist civil legal advice, casework, referrals, education and outreach where appropriate.

Community Legal Education and Law Reform

• Develop and provide community legal education workshops in line with the centre’s strategic plan.
• Where appropriate, contribute to the law reform activities of MNCLC.
• Identify and present opportunities for community legal education and engagement with stakeholders to your supervisor for consideration.

General

• Demonstrate leadership qualities by leading by example, nurturing a positive work environment with a holistic focus on team development and wellbeing.
• Participate in internal and staff meetings, professional and organisational development and planning activities.
• Accurately record advice, casework, and other service activities onto the CLASS database in a timely manner.
• Provide input into the centre’s business planning, especially in relation to trends noted in the operation of the legal practice.
• Assist in the general administration of the centre. Undertake shared intake duties.
• Undertake duties related to supporting volunteers and students at the MNCLC.
• Carry out other appropriate tasks as directed by your supervisor.

Personal Responsibilities

• Undertake work and other activities with integrity whilst upholding the organisation’s values and in particular, ensuring a people-first approach across our staff, volunteers and clients.
• Support team cohesion in a flexible and friendly manner.
• Protect and enhance the reputation of the organisation.
• Execute the tasks that are assigned to you to a high standard.
• Collect data to evaluate your work and regularly report on it.
• Meet objectives and deliverables in a timely manner; and
• Maintain positive relationships with the Centre’s partner organisations and the wider community.

Carry out any reasonable additional tasks as directed. Comply with the policies and practice manual of the organisation. Comply with the relevant standards set for the organisation by the funding body or sector association along with the ALA Code of Ethics and Conduct in the ALA Policy Manual. Note from time to time this position description may be reviewed and updated.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications must address the selection criteria and will close at 5:00pm on Monday 31 March 2025. Interviews will take place in following week online via Microsoft Teams or face to face in Port Macquarie.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

1. A current NSW practising certificate or eligibility to obtain one.
2. Current NSW drivers' license and/or willingness to travel across the geographic catchment area.
3. Demonstrated ability to identify and understand issues affecting disadvantaged clients and communities' access to social justice.
4. Demonstrated interest in areas of general civil law with a minimum 3 years' experience.
5. Local court advocacy skills and conflict resolution skills.
6. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to communicate clearly in plain English with diverse groups including indigenous people and people with disabilities.
7. Willingness to present community legal education or at other educational events.
8. Well-developed interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution skills.
9. A great team player who is keen to develop and share knowledge and new skills.
10. Well-developed organisational, time management and file management skills.

As part of our government funding contract all staff are required to have a police criminal record check and clear working with children check prior to commencement.

Advocacy Law Alliance (MNCLC and DANSW) is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

For more information about MNCLC, see www.mnclegal.org.au. For more information about the position contact Jane Titterington on 02 6580 2111 or via email at [email protected]

Submission Checklist

Do you have:

1. A cover letter including contact details.
2. A document that addresses each of the selection criteria listed above (please include this with your cover letter or resume document for ease of submission via Seek).
3. A current resume including two current professional referees.

If so, hit ‘apply now’ via Seek, ensuring everything is included. We look forward to receiving your application.