Solicitor – Counselling Notes Protect

Women’s Legal Service Inc. (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 though our counselling notes protect program. The Service 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.

This role is responsible for undertaking direct client services to WLSQ clients as part of the Counselling Notes Protect (CNP) Service, which includes representing and working on behalf of victims of sexual assault in relation to applications for parties to access and use their counselling records in legal proceedings. This role is also responsible for working with organisations in the sexual assault space by providing training, information and advice as requested.

About this role

Key Responsibilities:

• To undertake direct client services within the CNP team including legal representation as required.
• Represent victims of sexual assault, including providing advice, file management and advocacy in criminal law matters in the Magistrates, District and Supreme court in response to applications to subpoena and other wise use records which are or could be ‘protected counselling communications’.
• Provide legal information and advice about the application and procedure of the sexual assault counselling privilege, to clients, sexual violence prevention services and other relevant services and agencies.
• Provide legal information and advice about broader sexual violence legal issues for clients such as sexual violence criminal proceedings in general and engaged in law reform as informed by the lived experience and feedback of the services and clients who use the CNP service.
• Provide services to women in a trauma informed practice framework.
• Provide legal services in accordance with WLSQ policy and practice according to the Risk Management Guide.
• Work collaboratively with WLSQ social workers and other staff to provide legal information and guidance and to consult with other staff to provide appropriate nonlegal referrals as required.
• Ensure risk assessment and safety considerations are routinely and comprehensively addressed in legal work undertaken providing support, information and advice to clients who have experienced sexual violence.
• Liaise with external agencies and make client referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and law reform activities of WLSQ as required.
• Foster a collaborative team culture for staff and volunteers which is professional, productive and supportive and consistent with the WLSQ Values and feminist principles.
• Any other tasks as requested by the Team Leader or Practice Director.
• Other duties from time to time as required: Duty Lawyer (DV); Family Law/DV advice, task work and case work.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor’s Practising Certificate and a minimum of 3 years’ post admission experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and legal practice experience in family law and domestic violence, including drafting relevant court documents and management of files is required. Experience in child protection and child support is desirable.
• Experience in the conduct of legal matters, ideally including criminal law matters, including providing advice, preparation, representation and particularly advocacy.
• Knowledge of the practice and procedure of the law as it relates to victims of crime, particularly in relation to issues of sexual violence, and criminal law.
• A high level of knowledge of referrals both legal and non-legal that are appropriate for women who have experienced sexual violence, and/or have experienced domestic and family violence.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work sensitively with clients from diverse background including vulnerable clients including those:
  • Who have experienced sexual violence, domestic and family violence and/or trauma;
  • With a disability;
  • From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and/or o 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.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of WLSQ and an ability to work within a feminist framework.
• 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 and the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and delivery of community legal education to a range of stakeholders.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of legal and social issues affecting women, particularly the gendered nature of sexual and domestic violence.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the WLSQ and an ability to work within a feminist framework.
• It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)).

Mandatory Requirements:

• This role requires the incumbent to hold a current Open Queensland Driver’s Licence.
• This role requires the incumbent to have a clear National police check.

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: from $97,377 to 101,783 plus 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 counseling 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.