Solicitor (Generalist) – Cairns Community Legal Centre

Published on July 24, 2024

Applications close 11 August. The Cairns Community Legal Centre is a non-profit, government-funded community organisation, committed to providing free legal and social justice services to a range of disadvantaged clients.

The Centre extends its services across a range of areas of law including guardianship, domestic violence, peace and good behaviour matters, consumer law, credit, debt, motor vehicle property damage, discrimination and human rights, family law, child protection, elder law, criminal and traffic matters.

This work is provided for a diverse range of clients including people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those experiencing domestic or family violence, financial difficulties and homelessness.

You will have demonstrated experience in practice areas relevant to the areas of law offered by the Centre, including but not limited to domestic and family violence, mental health, family, and elder law.

About the Role

The Cairns Community Legal Centre is now seeking a full-time Solicitor to join their team.

Reporting to the Centre’s Principal Solicitor, you will be responsible for undertaking high quality legal work that seeks to make a difference.

Some of your daily responsibilities will include (but will not be limited to):

  • Providing direct client services including legal advice, ongoing casework and representation, duty lawyer services, information and referrals
  • Identifying, developing, organising and delivering quality community education work, awareness raising, networking and promotional work; and
  • Addressing systemic issues, including through the provision of law reform work and social policy work.

As a member of the Centre’s team, you will also share workloads with your colleagues, and be actively involved in promotional and other activities where required.

 

About You

ou will have (or be eligible for) admission as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and a practicing certificate which entitles you to practice as a solicitor in Queensland; with applications from Solicitors with at least 2 years PAE.

You will also hold (or be eligible to apply for) a full Queensland driver’s licence.

The successful candidate will be an adaptable and agile individual, with the ability to respond to emerging demands. A strong team player, you’ll demonstrate respect, have a positive attitude and enthusiastically accept new challenges as they arise. Well developed interpersonal and communication skills will be key for your success, as will the ability to effectively manage competing priorities.

Importantly, you’ll be passionate about the work you’ll be doing, and will have a genuine interest in working to help people who are experiencing disadvantage. You will also work with a strong spirit of service to get results and achieve positive client outcomes.

 

Applying

Please address the following criteria with your application:

  1. Demonstrated high level written and oral communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to:
    a) Convey complex legal information to vulnerable clients experiencing disadvantage; and
    b) work effectively with management, staff and stakeholders to effect the goals of the Centre (access to justice to vulnerable members of the community) and meet the needs of its clients;
  2. Demonstrated knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, a broad range of legal processes and legislation.
  3. Please highlight your case management experience including your experience in solving complex legal problems and providing sound and considered guidance in relation to ethical issues.

To submit your application for this challenging and rewarding role, submit your CV, essential criteria and covering letter of no more than one page in length outlining why you consider yourself suited to working at the Centre, and in this role.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply. Cairns Community Legal Centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Retention policy sets out our commitment to:

  • Fostering a culturally inclusive workplace where people feel welcomed and valued,
  • Promoting and enhancing cultural safety and respect, and
  • Promoting permanent career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers, including retention.

As part of your employment you will be required to undertake a criminal history check.

To submit your application or request the position description please email lucy@cclc.org.au

Applications close 11:59pm 11th August, 2024