Advice Solicitor – Women’s Legal Service Queensland

Applications close 25 December

WLSQ are seeking dedicated and passionate solicitors to come and join us to make a difference for women experiencing domestic violence. These roles are open to full-time, part-time, or flexible work arrangements as needed and are available at both our Annerley and Ipswich offices. We are hiring for both temporary and permanent positions; please specify your preference when applying.

About This Role

Key Responsibilities:

• A. Undertaking the delivery of WLSQ legal services including:
  • Provide legal advice in the areas of family law, domestic violence and child safety matters Including outreach clinics.

• • Provide services to women through a trauma informed practice framework.
  • Provide legal services in accordance with WLSQ policy and practice and the National Association of Community Legal Centers Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.
  • Provide duty lawyer services for domestic violence matters in designated Magistrates Courts.
  • Provide legal advice and referrals to women at designated Correctional Centres in South-East Queensland either in-person, or by telephone/videolink.

• • 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.
• B. Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and law reform activities of WLSQ as required.
• C. Foster a collaborative team culture for staff and volunteers which is professional, productive and supportive and consistent with the WLSQ Values and feminist principles.
• D. Any other tasks as requested by the Team Leader.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor’s Practising Certificate and a minimum of 3 years’ post admission experience in family law and domestic violence, is a requirement.
• Experience in child safety matters and child support is desirable.
• Accreditation as domestic violence duty lawyer is highly 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 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.
  • With a disability.
  • From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and/or
  • 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 the WLSQ and an ability to work within a feminist framework.
• Being a woman is a genuine occupational requirement for this position (section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld))

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

• This role requires the incumbent to have a clear National Police Check.