Solicitor – Temporary Visa Pilot Project

Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) provides high quality legal and social support services to women, specialising in the areas of family law, domestic violence, child safety matters, 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 in family law, domestic violence and child protection, working with a team of paralegals and solicitors as part of the TVPP Team.

Key Responsibilities:

Undertake the delivery of WLSQ legal services as a member of the Brisbane Case Work team:

• Provide legal advice, case work and representation in the areas of family law, domestic violence. 
• Represent clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and Magistrates Court as a solicitor advocate or briefing counsel where appropriate. 
• Prioritise eligibility for the services of the Temporary Visa Pilot Project (“TVPP”) by reference to WLSQ policy, including priority access for women who are on Temporary Visas experiencing domestic violence and are of a Culturally or Linguistically Diverse background or have a disability (priority access groups).
• Develop and maintain stakeholder engagement with key agencies who work with priority access groups.
• Work collaboratively with TVPP staff to provide holistic case management support to vulnerable women on Temporary Visas experiencing domestic violence.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and law reform activities of WLSQ.
• Provide services to women through a trauma informed practice framework. 
• Undertake the provision of legal services in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the legal professional and the mandatory requirements under the National Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide. 
• Advise the Team Leader and Practice Director on issues relating to operational and/or legal risk.
• Work collaboratively with WLSQ social workers and other staff to provide legal information and guidance and to consult with other staff to provide appropriate non-legal 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 experiencing domestic violence. 
• Liaise with external agencies and make client referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service. 
• 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 and/or Practice Director.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor’s Practising Certificate and a minimum of 4 years’ post admission experience in family law and domestic violence.
• Migration Law experience and knowledge and/or interest is desirable.
• High level of computer literacy including Microsoft Office.  
• High level of knowledge of referrals both legal and non-legal that are appropriate for women who experience domestic violence and require assistance with family law and migration matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work sensitively with clients from diverse backgrounds including vulnerable clients including those:
  • Who may have experienced domestic violence and/or trauma;
  • From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and/or
  • With a disability
• 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 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).

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

In addition to having a meaningful and rewarding career, you will receive:

• An attractive remuneration package from $93,860 to 98,108 plus super;
• Generous leave entitlements with additional paid leave over Christmas and New Year.
• Attractive salary sacrifice options.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

Successful applicants will be required to complete a National Police Check.

APPLY NOW!

To apply for this position, click on ‘Apply Now’ and upload a copy of your cover letter and CV.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.