Location: Dubbo, NSW
Employment Type: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary: $94,166.80 - $103,357.80 per annum plus superannuation

Benefits: Salary packaging benefits and relocation stipend
Reports To: Principal Solicitor
Application Deadline: Open until position is filled

About Us:

Western NSW Community Legal Centre (WNSWCLC) is a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing accessible legal services to individuals experiencing disadvantage in the western regions of New South Wales. Our mission is to ensure equal access to justice for all community members by offering free legal advice, referrals, community legal education, representation, and practical support.

Headquartered in Dubbo, WNSWCLC extends its services through regular outreach to numerous communities, including Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Lightning Ridge, Macquarie Correctional Centre, Mudgee, Narromine, Nyngan, Warren, Walgett, Wellington, and Wellington Correctional Centre.

The Western Women’s Legal Support (WWLS) is a cornerstone of our services; a specialist domestic violence unit launched in 2015. WWLS provides a holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate service to women and their children, assisting them in escaping the cycle of abuse through specialist legal help, practical support, and community education.

WNSWCLC also engages in community legal education to inform individuals about their legal rights and responsibilities, and participates in law reform activities to address systemic issues affecting our clients.

We advise using compassion, understanding, and a non-judgmental approach, ensuring that clients are supported in a manner that acknowledges their personal circumstances and empowers them to make informed decisions about their lives.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated Solicitor to join our team, focusing on family law, domestic and family violence, and related legal matters. The role encompasses providing legal information, advice, representation, and referrals. Additionally, the Solicitor will engage in community legal education programs and contribute to law reform initiatives aimed at empowering individuals in rural and remote areas.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide legal assistance in areas including family law, domestic violence/AVO, victims' compensation, debt, social security, care and protection, anti-discrimination, and employment law.

Represent clients in court for AVO and Recovery Order matters, subject to Principal Solicitor approval.

Participate in mediation for family law and care and protection matters.

Deliver legal advice through face-to-face consultations and telephone communications.

Manage ongoing casework and conduct outreach trips, including overnight stays if required, to support clients in various communities.

Identify systemic legal issues affecting disadvantaged populations and draft law reform submissions to parliamentary inquiries.

Conduct regular file reviews, attend casework meetings, and adhere to casework and file management policies.

Develop and present community legal education sessions tailored to the needs of specific groups.

Collaborate with community service-based and government organisations to establish referral pathways.

Maintain relationships with legal practitioners, community legal centres, and pro bono law firms.

Attend relevant conferences and meetings as required, including the Community Legal Centres Australia Conference and CLCNSW Quarterly Meetings.

Fulfill continuing professional development requirements by obtaining 10 CPD points annually.

Selection Criteria:

1. Eligibility to hold (or current possession of) a New South Wales practising certificate.

2. Demonstrated understanding of social justice issues impacting people who face economic, social, cultural, or geographic disadvantage, particularly in relation to accessing legal services.

3. Commitment to supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged communities through your legal work.

4. Ability to adopt a holistic, "whole of person" approach when providing legal assistance, with sensitivity to client circumstances and vulnerabilities.

5. Understanding of how individual legal issues can connect to broader systemic challenges, and ability to contribute to law reform initiatives or advocacy efforts.

6. Proven ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

7. Strong oral and written communication skills, with confidence using electronic systems and digital tools (e.g., legal databases, case management systems).

8. Willingness and ability to travel to rural and remote communities in Western NSW (including overnight stays).

9. Hold a current NSW driver’s licence (or willingness to obtain one).

Why Join WNSWCLC:

Engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of individuals in need.

Be part of a supportive, respectful, and collaborative team environment.

Access opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Contribute to systemic change through involvement in law reform and community legal education.

HOW TO APPLY

If you feel that you are suitably qualified and experienced for the above position, SUBMIT the following via SEEK, or email [email protected]

· Your current CV

· A cover letter outlining responses to the selection criteria questions

For more details on the role, download the Position Application Package on our website www.wnswclc.org.au

Application close: Open until the position is filled

If you have enquiries or want to have a confidential discussion about the position, contact the Principal Solicitor, Patrick O’Callaghan at or Trevor Mvundura, Executive Officer at [email protected] or call (02) 6884 9422

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Western NSW Community Legal Centre is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with disabilities.