Family Law Solicitor

Hours: Up to 38 hours per week

Salary Packaging: Up to $611.54 per fortnight

Employment Conditions: As per the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 2010 and compliant with the National Employment Standards

FIRST NATIONS WOMEN’S LEGAL SERVICES QLD (First Nations WLSQ)

First Nations WLSQ is a specialist legal service who advocates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women based in Townsville and Palm Island. Fifty percent of our current staff members are First Nations women. We provide legal assistance, advice, court representation and community legal education.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work with and to enforce the rights and interests of First Nations women in regional and remote areas of North Queensland.

We undertake work in civil and administrative areas, including Child Protection, Domestic violence and Family Law. There are opportunities to expand our areas of practice in the future.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Legal Service Practice

Provide legal information and advice

Provide legal representation and casework in accordance with First Nations WLSQ casework guidelines.

Conduct the carriage of legal matters including but not limited to giving legal advice, case conferencing, initiating or defending court action, representing clients in court and instructing Counsel where required.

Conduct outreach work when required.

Comply with all Professional Indemnity requirements and Compulsory Professional Development requirements.

Adhere to the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2023.

Manage client records and files in accordance with the ASCR 2023 and the Community Legal Centres Australia’s Risk Management Guide.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

First Nations women solicitors encouraged to apply, including early career solicitors

Solicitors at any stage of their career path from early career to experienced solicitors may apply

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws

Eligible to hold a Practising Certificate in Queensland.

Knowledge, Skills & Expertise

Admission as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia

Capacity to provide quality legal advice and casework

Experience working with First Nations women preferred

Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills

Cultural competency with First Nations women

Demonstrated ability in the use of current computer technology

Hold a current, unrestricted Queensland Driver’s Licence

Hold a current Blue Card or be eligible to obtain same