Principal Solicitor – Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre – Northam

• Location: Northam

Make a Difference in the Wheatbelt Community!

Are you ready to take the next step in your legal career and make a significant impact in a picturesque country town? Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre is offering a unique opportunity for a passionate Principal Solicitor to lead our dynamic team in Northam.

This role is ideal for a Senior Solicitor looking to advance their career or an experienced Principal Solicitor wanting to work in a mission-driven organisation with a collaborative team, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance and enjoying a rural lifestyle just an hour’s drive from a major city.

About Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre

Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre provides vital legal advice, representation, and advocacy to disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals living in the Wheatbelt. We are dedicated to delivering quality, accessible and responsible legal services to the Wheatbelt.

Why join us?

• Supportive team culture: Join welcoming and collaborative team.
• Relocation support: Receive up to $5,000 to cover relocation expenses.

• Accommodation included: Housing available to help you settle in Northam, enjoy a 2-bedroom unit or 3-bedroom house depending on preference/need for the first 12 months, with the possibility of subsidies thereafter.

• Competitive salary: Earn between $125,000 to $140,000 per annum plus 11.5% superannuation, depending on experience.
• Salary packaging: Up to $15,900 per annum to maximise your take home pay.
• Position stability: Permanent, full-time role.
• Retention bonus: Earn a $10,000 retention bonus after 12 months of positive service.

The Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre is located in picturesque town of Northam

Northam is just over an hour from Perth, Western Australia’s Capital. It is the largest inland town in Western Australia, situated in the picturesque Avon Valley. Home to approximately 7,000 people, Northam offers a blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and a vibrant community spirit. The town is rich in cultural heritage, with various recreational facilities, scenic parks, and heritage sites.

Northam boasts a relaxed, country-town atmosphere with all the conveniences of a larger town. It has a strong sense of community, active local events, and numerous sports and recreation facilities. The town provides a balanced lifestyle with rural and urban benefits, making it an attractive place for professionals and families.

About the Role

As our Principal Solicitor, you will:

• Lead and support our legal team in providing high-quality legal advice and court representation in family law, family violence, and general civil and criminal matters.
• Facilitate community engagement and develop educational initiatives for individuals and the wider community, including online resources.
• Maintain and extend community service and agency networks, providing leadership and support in complex cases.

Key responsibilities:

• Supervise the legal practice and ensure the service’s compliance with Community Legal Centre Australia’s risk management framework, as well as legal and regulatory requirements.
• Undertake the provision of professional, high quality legal advice and representation to clients in areas of family law, family violence matters, minor criminal, minor civil and criminal injuries compensation matters.
• Undertake travel to various communities within the Wheatbelt to carry out legal assistance and education on a regular basis (may include overnight stays on occasion).
• Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and provide guidance and leadership to Wheatbelt community/stakeholders

What we’re looking for?

Your unique strengths and experiences are what we value most. We are searching for individuals who can meet most of the following:

• Hold an unrestricted legal practice certificate in Western Australia.
• Demonstrated 5+ years’ experience in the provision of all aspects of legal service delivery including representation, casework and advice in community-based areas of law, specifically the areas of family law, family violence, minor criminal, minor civil and criminal injuries compensation.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with clients and other persons from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in working collaboratively and effectively within a small team environment as well as with other community service providers.
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office (MS Word, Excel, Outlook) to a legal practice and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of Wheatbelt CLC’s client database.
• Current driver’s licence (class C).

Successful applicants will also need a satisfactory National Police Check, Working with Children Check, and working rights in Australia.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a copy of your current resume and a cover letter of no more than two (2) pages addressing your suitability for the position.

Early applications are encouraged as interviews may commence prior to the closing date.

While this role offers flexibility, including the option to work from home, the majority of responsibilities must be performed in person. Therefore, it would not be suitable for someone seeking a fully remote position.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact our recruitment partners, Talenting: Jonathon Woolfrey on (08) 6244 3222 or by email at [email protected] using the subject line: Principal Solicitor – Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre – Northam enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A Candidate Information Pack is attached.